Bowden lily, Guernsey lily
nerine bowdenii
Also known as: ["Guernsey lily","Nerine bowdenii"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial native to South Africa, known for its striking clusters of pink, spider-like flowers that bloom in autumn.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Nerine |
| Botanical Name: | Nerine bowdenii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot, or container in a sunny location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, gritty soil with added organic matter. A mix of loam, sand, and perlite works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when dead foliage is present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning only.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Nerine bowdenii thrives in bright, direct light, especially during the growing season.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade. Protect from intense midday sun in very hot climates to prevent scorching. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure protection from strong winds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun is essential; avoid deep shade; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce to monthly in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow the soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if necessary.
Temperature
Prefers cool conditions during dormancy (5–10°C) and warmer temperatures (15–25°C) during active growth. Tolerates mild frosts but protect from hard freezes.
Keep cool during dormancy; protect from hard freezes; avoid extreme heat during flowering.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Use a bulb-specific fertilizer; fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb burn; stop feeding in late summer as the plant prepares for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
By bulb division. The best method is to separate offsets from the mother bulb once they are mature enough to be self-sustaining.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully dig up the clump of bulbs.
- Separate offsets with a sharp, clean knife.
- Replant offsets at the same depth as the parent bulb.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: After flowering, in late summer or early autumn, when the bulbs are actively growing.
Environment
Warm, bright conditions with good air circulation. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite or grit.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division, but can be used if offsets are propagated via cuttings.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–2 years to establish and flower after separation.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, clean potting mix, small pots or planting area.
Quick Tips
Ensure offsets have roots before separating; plant at the same depth; avoid overwatering new plants.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off flower stalks at the base once they have faded. Remove dead or yellowing leaves by cutting them off at the base.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning is required. Focus on removing spent flower stalks and any dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut back dead foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early autumn, just before the start of the growing season.
Pot Size
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one (e.g., 2–3 cm wider).
Method
Carefully remove the bulb from the pot; gently tease apart any tangled roots; place the bulb in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or the pot is too small. Nerine bowdenii prefers to be slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; reduce watering during dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the bulb, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent bulb rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during the growing season (spring to early summer), keeping the soil slightly moist. Reduce watering significantly during dormancy (late summer to winter) to allow the bulbs to rest. Increase watering in late summer as flower stalks emerge, but avoid waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure the soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or failure to flower in overly cold conditions; bulb rot in persistently cold, wet soil.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold temperatures can inhibit bulb development and flowering. Cold, wet soil can lead to bulb rot and fungal infections.
Solution: Provide winter protection with a layer of mulch or move containers to a sheltered location. Ensure soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause flower buds to abort or foliage to wilt. High temperatures combined with dry soil can stress the plant.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid dormant period; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early summer). Avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest parts of Nerine bowdenii. The alkaloids in the plant can cause discomfort but are not typically fatal.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Nerine bowdenii can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of alkaloids. The effects are typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicNerine bowdenii contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Nerine bowdenii bloom?
A: It typically blooms in autumn, often from September to November.
Q: How should I plant Nerine bowdenii bulbs?
A: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil with the neck above ground level, in a sunny or partially shaded spot.
Q: Is Nerine bowdenii frost hardy?
A: Yes, it is reasonably frost hardy once established, but bulbs may need protection in severe winters.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks during activ |
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