NERINE
Family AMARYLLIDACEAE
Nerine bowdenii
Perennial
The only species of this genus that may be grown
out-of-doors in Britain, and a native of South
Africa.
The root is bulbous and the foliage is strap-shaped,
slightly channelled and up to one foot long and
one inch broad.
The flowers are bright rose in colour, tubular
in form with open mouth, and two to three inches
long, borne in umbels of six to twelve, about
nine inches across, on a stem of about one and
a half feet.
A well-drained, light, sandy soil, containing
well-rotted manure, and a sunny position at the
base of a south wall are necessary.
Planting may be carried out during the dormant
period, which extends from April to August, although
it may also be carried out successfully after
flowering in October.
Nerines flower best when they have developed a
mass of bulbs that crowd together.
In common with the tender kinds, Nerine bowdenii is
the most decorative plant for the cool greenhouse,
where it may be cultivated in pots.
Propagate by offsets or from seed. Seedlings require
three years in which to develop to flowering bulbs.
The flowering season is in September or October.
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