When many summer flowers are fading, nerines arrive like a final bright flourish. Their clusters of starry, lily-like blooms bring welcome colour to the autumn garden, often in shades of pink, rose, red and white. Held on tall, leafless stems, the flowers seem to hover above the border just when the garden needs them most.
Nerines are bulbs native to southern Africa. The best-known garden varieties are hardy in many sheltered parts of Britain, though they flower most reliably in warm, sunny positions. They suit a south or west-facing border, a sunny wall, or a large pot placed somewhere protected from cold winds. Good drainage is essential: nerines dislike sitting in wet soil, especially during winter.
For the best results, plant bulbs in fertile, sharply drained soil. A sandy or gritty loam is ideal; improve heavier ground with grit or fine gravel and plenty of organic matter. Set bulbs with their necks just above the soil surface and avoid disturbing them once established. Nerines often flower more freely when they are slightly crowded, so give a new planting time to settle rather than dividing it too soon.
Choose a spot that receives plenty of sun during the growing season. Water new plantings during dry spells, but once established, nerines are fairly tolerant of short periods without rain. In pots, use a free-draining compost and ensure that the container has drainage holes. Feed lightly while the leaves are growing after flowering, when the bulb is storing energy for the next display.
The foliage usually appears after the flowers and remains through winter or spring, depending on the variety. Let it die back naturally before tidying it away. In colder areas, protect bulbs with a dry mulch or move containers somewhere sheltered.
With warmth, sun and excellent drainage, nerines reward patience with brilliant autumn flowers year after year—a cheerful reminder that the garden’s season of colour need not end with summer.
by Jane Conlin
