Jersey Lily Nerine bowdenii 'Isabel'
ABOUT
Nerine bowdenii 'Isabel', commonly known as the Pink Lily, is a bulbous perennial revered for its striking floral display. This plant produces strap-shaped, dark green leaves that arch gracefully around its base, creating a lush backdrop for the flowers that emerge later in the season. The blooms are the real showstoppers: vivid pink and slightly recurved, the petals exhibit a delicate shimmer as if brushed with a hint of metallic luster. Each flower consists of narrow segments that splay outwards from a central point, forming an exquisite starburst pattern. The Pink Lily's blossoms are clustered atop tall, sturdy, and leafless stalks, which rise elegantly from among the foliage. These stalks, also known as scapes, are crowned with an umbel composed of multiple individual flowers, each exuding a soft and enchanting scent that adds a sensory allure to its visual beauty. Overall, the Pink Lily 'Isabel' variety showcases a vibrant and eye-catching appearance that can add a splash of color to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Bowden Lilies, Guernsey Lilies, Cornish Lily, Cape Flower, Jersey Lily.
Common names
Nerine bowdenii 'Isabel'.
ToxicityTo humans
Nerine bowdenii, commonly known as Guernsey lily, does not have a well-documented profile of toxicity to humans. However, as with many plants, it is generally considered prudent to avoid ingestion of any part of the plant due to the potential for unknown toxic compounds. If ingested, it may cause mild stomach upset or more severe symptoms, depending on the quantity consumed and the individual's sensitivity. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, including the Guernsey lily, it is important to seek medical attention.
To pets
Guernsey lily can be toxic to pets if ingested. As with its effects on humans, there is a potential for the plant to contain compounds that can cause a reaction. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, or more serious signs like trembling, abdominal pain, or heart issues, depending on the quantity ingested. If you suspect that your pet has ingested Guernsey lily, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds vibrant pink color and unique shape to gardens with its trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering.
- Late-Season Blooms: Blooms in autumn when many other plants have finished flowering, providing extended interest in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond the basic needs, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Bulb Perennality: As a bulb, it can survive underground during dormant periods and regrow for several years.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting local biodiversity.
- Deer Resistance: Typically not favored by deer, which helps prevent damage to the plant and preserves its aesthetic appeal.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nerine bowdenii 'Isabel', commonly known as the Guernsey Lily, can be used in floral arrangements to add a striking pink hue and exotic shape to bouquets.
- The plant can serve as a photographic subject for botanical art, capturing the unique curves and colors of the Guernsey Lily's flowers.
- Gardeners might choose the Guernsey Lily to create a 'bulb lasagna' by layering different bulbs in a pot to achieve successive blooms, benefiting from Nerine's late flowering.
- As a symbol in gardens, the Guernsey Lily can represent resilience and survival due to its ability to thrive with minimal care and in challenging climates.
- The Guernsey Lily can be given as a gift bulb to plant enthusiasts, offering a lasting and blooming gift rather than the transient nature of cut flowers.
- The vibrant color of the Guernsey Lily petals can be used as a natural fabric dye for small-scale, artisanal textile projects.
- This plant can play a role in themed gardens, such as a 'pink garden' or 'autumn-blooming garden', providing complementing aesthetics with its seasonal blooms.
- Guernsey Lily's distinct appearance allows it to be used in fantasy-themed gardens, adding an element of whimsy and vibrant color.
- The plant can be used in educational settings to teach students about bulbous plants and their life cycles, offering a hands-on learning experience.
- For those practicing the art of ikebana, the Guernsey Lily's flowers can provide an exotic and striking element to incorporate into their arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Nerine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Nerine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Nerine bowdenii, commonly known as the Guernsey Lily, often symbolizes resilience as it is a hardy plant that can withstand tough conditions and still produces beautiful blooms.
- Surprise and Astonishment: The Guernsey Lily's sudden vibrant blooms amidst its plain foliage represent unexpected beauty and can symbolize surprise or astonishment in the world of flora.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, the striking flowers of the Guernsey Lily are believed to bring good fortune to those who grow them or are gifted them.
- Enduring Love and Commitment: The lasting nature of the plant's blooms can be symbolic of long-lasting love and devotion, making it an appropriate gift for anniversaries and significant milestones in a relationship.
WaterFor the Guernsey Lily, water sparingly during the growing season, ensuring that the soil does not become waterlogged. Typically, this could mean providing around 1 gallon of water every two weeks, although this can vary based on climate conditions such as temperature and humidity. During the plant's dormancy period in the summer, reduce watering significantly and resume once you see signs of new growth in the fall. Be wary of over-watering as the bulbs can rot; it's important to let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings.
LightThe Guernsey Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best to place it in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Adequate light is essential for the plant to produce its vibrant blooms, but in areas with extremely hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from scorching.
TemperatureThe Guernsey Lily prefers temperate climates, with ideal growing temperatures ranging between 50°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures of around 32°F, but severe frost may damage the plant. For the best flowering performance, maintain an environment within the ideal temperature range during its growing season.
PruningPruning the Guernsey Lily is primarily about removing spent flower stems after the blooms have faded, which can be done annually. Cut the stems back to the base to encourage healthy growth for the next season. Additionally, remove any yellow or dead leaves to maintain plant vigor and appearance. The best time for pruning is after flowering, typically in the late fall or early winter before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGuernsey Lily thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining with ample grit or sand to ensure good drainage. A balanced soil pH of 6.5-7.5 is ideal for the plant's growth. A mix of two parts loam, one part grit/sand, and one part leaf mold or compost works well.
RepottingGuernsey Lilies do not need to be repotted often and can be left undisturbed for several years as they prefer to be root-bound. Repotting is usually only necessary if the bulbs have outgrown their container, typically every 4-5 years.
Humidity & MistingGuernsey Lily does best in moderate humidity conditions. It does not require high humidity and can tolerate the humidity found in most home environments without additional adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Guernsey Lily in bright-indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Guernsey Lily in full sun to part shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Nerine bowdenii 'Isabel', commonly known as the pink nerine, begins its life as a bulb, which undergoes a period of dormancy in winter. As spring arrives, leaves start to emerge and grow, which are strap-shaped and can persist throughout the winter. In late summer or early autumn, the plant produces tall scapes bearing clusters of funnel-shaped, pink flowers that are particularly attractive to pollinators. After flowering, the plant has a period of photosynthesis where it replenishes the bulb for the next season. Once the flowering is done, seed pods may form, and upon maturation, they split open to release seeds for dispersal. Finally, the plant's aerial parts die back as it enters another period of dormancy, with the cycle repeating the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring
The Nerine bowdenii 'Isabel', commonly known as the Isabel Nerine, is often propagated by dividing its bulbs. The best time to undertake this method is after the plant has finished flowering and the foliage has died back, typically in late spring or early summer. To propagate the Isabel Nerine, carefully lift the bulbs from the ground and gently separate the offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that have formed at the base of the mother plant. These offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12.5 centimeters), allowing adequate space between them for growth. Ensure that they are planted in well-draining soil and in a location where they will receive plenty of sunlight. Over the next season, the offsets will develop roots and shoots, eventually maturing into blooming plants.
