How to grow Nerine

Nerine are perennial bulbs with stately, upright stems, grass-like foliage and striking sprays of lily-like flowers that curl and curve into attractive formations throughout autumn. It has long been said that Nerine drifted across the ocean from South Africa eventually landing on Guernsey Island.

Nerine are best suited to flower beds and borders within courtyard, cottage and informal garden settings. You should expect to see Nerine grow to an approximate height of 45-60cm (18-24”) and a spread of 35cm (14”).

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Key Information

Soil pH

not fussy

Position

full sun position

Hardiness

hardiness 4 and 5
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Where & when to plant Nerine

Nerine are best planted during the spring, in well-drained soil of chalk, clay, loam and sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance.

How to plant Nerine

Spread your roots out before planting and submerge the bulb halfway into your soil so that the top is still visible. Make sure that you water your Nerine deeply and thoroughly once planted as this will create a healthy root system. They thrive best in a position of full sun as this is where you will see the biggest abundance of bloom.

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What to plant with Urginea

Urginea are imposing plants, creating a dramatic statement when planted alone, creating quite an impressive clump when they have naturalised.

However, when grown amongst grasses or interspersed Allium they look incredible.

When choosing companion plants, think about the growing conditions that are preferred by each plant.  Maybe grow Urginia maritima with Allium Forelock, Moly or Hair – the almost globe-like spheres of blooms will hover above the foliage but will have faded by the time the Urginea flowers have fully developed so will not detract from the spectacle.

Whether grown in borders or containers, the period when the foliage is absent could be filled with a low growing, evergreen carpet of Delosperma Suntropics Purple, Copper or Red, which become covered with bright almost neon coloured daisy-like flowers from spring until the first frosts.

How to care for Nerine

It is recommended to mulch your plants when they have finished blooming as this will provide winter protection whilst retaining moisture levels and suppressing weeds. Nerine are intolerant to disturbance so once they are ready to plant into beds and borders, avoid transplanting them if you can. There is no requirement to prune, although you may wish to cut off spent flower heads to neaten your plants overall appearance.

How to propagate Nerine

It is possible to propagate Nerine by seed sown as soon as they are ripe. Alternatively you are able to propagate by division once the flowering period is over.

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