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Nerine bowdenii (Guernsey Lily)

Guernsey Lily, Cape Flower, Japanese Spider Lily, Cornish Lily, Jersey Lily, Bowden Lily

AGM Award
Nerine bowdenii, Guernsey Lily, Cape Flower, Japanese Spider Lily, Cornish Lily, Jersey Lily, Bowden Lily, Fall Flowers, Purple Flowers
Nerine bowdenii, Guernsey Lily, Cape Flower, Japanese Spider Lily, Cornish Lily, Jersey Lily, Bowden Lily, Fall Flowers, Purple Flowers

Putting on a spectacular display in the late season garden, award-winning Nerine bowdenii (Guernsey Lily) is a bulbous perennial forming clumps of strap-shaped rich green leaves. In late summer or early fall, tall, erect stalks push up from among the leaves, bearing large umbels of five to ten trumpet-shaped, faintly-scented, brilliant pink flowers, up to 3 in. across (8 cm), adorned with wavy-edged petals. Blooming for up to 4-6 weeks, Guernsey Lilies are ideal accent plants for mixed borders, rockeries or cutting gardens.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 14-18 in. high (35-45 cm) and 3-6 in. wide (7-15 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun (part shade is tolerated), in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates drought, but requires moisture during the growing season
  • Spectacular when planted in swathes, this Guernsey Lily fits most garden settings or mixed borders, makes a fantastic accent plant in containers and excellent cut flowers! A great choice for coastal areas, Mediterranean gardens or rock gardens.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Plant in early spring, 2 in. below the ground (5 cm) and 6 in. apart (15 cm). Protect in colder areas with a deep dry mulch over winter.
  • Propagate by seed, sown with moderate heat as soon as ripe or by division after flowering.
  • Acute ingestion may cause mild stomach upset
  • Native to South Africa

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 10
Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Nerine
Common names Japanese Spider Lily, Jersey Lily
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 3" - 6" (8cm - 15cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Depth 2" (5cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Nerine bowdenii ‘Albivetta’ (Guernsey Lily)
Nerine sarniensis (Guernsey Lily)

Recommended Companion Plants

Agapanthus africanus (African Lily)
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’
Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’ (‘Autumn Joy’)
Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 10
Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Nerine
Common names Japanese Spider Lily, Jersey Lily
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 3" - 6" (8cm - 15cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Depth 2" (5cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden
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Do I Need?
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