Nerine

Around 26 species of bulbous plants from South Africa. They do well in southern counties in a well-drained soil. In colder areas, a good mulch over winter is likely to be needed. Leaves usually strap-like, appearing with or sometime after the flowers. Colours vary from white to pink, to orange-red and with some almost purple-mauve. If needed water during growth, September through autumn. By south or west walls they rarely suffer and should increase well. Lift and divide in the summer if required.

In their native South Africa, nerines are usually pollinated by butterflies or long-tongued flies. However, over here it is rather unusual to see insects interested in the flowers, in part perhaps due to there being fewer insects on the wing at the time of autumn when most are flowering.