Guernsey Lily Nerine bowdenii
ABOUT
Nerine bowdenii, commonly known as the Guernsey lily or Bowden's cornish lily, is a floral plant notable for its attractive and vibrant blooms. It possesses a bulbous base from which emerges a clump of strap-shaped, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the flowers. The leaves are often glossy and create a textural contrast in garden settings. The most striking feature of the Guernsey lily is its flowers. The plant produces tall, leafless stems that culminate in a display of funnel-shaped flowers, which tend to curve backward giving them a distinctive, somewhat spidery appearance. Each flower cluster, or umbel, can carry a number of individual blooms, which usually come in shades of pink, ranging from soft pastel hues to more intense, vivid tones. The blossoms may also have a gentle crinkling along their petal edges, adding to their ornamental charm. A closer inspection of the flowers would reveal subtle streaks or variations in color, often with a more saturated hue along the petal margins or radiating from the center. The petals are usually narrow and lance-shaped, converging to form the flower's tube. The bloom's heart often features prominent stamens, which extend beyond the petals, and this reproductive architecture is not only a key aspect of its allure but also an invitation to pollinators. Flowering typically occurs in the late summer or fall, depending on the climate, making the plant a valuable contributor to the garden's seasonal interest when many others are beginning to fade. The Guernsey lily's display of color and form brings an exotic touch to temperate gardens, and its propensity to bloom when little else is, endears it to gardeners looking for end-of-season highlights.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Bowden Cornish Lily, Bowden Lily, Cape Flower, Guernsey Lily, Jersey Lily, Pink Lily.
Common names
Nerine fothergillii, Nerine undulata, Nerine masoniorum, Nerine sarniensis var. corusca.
ToxicityTo humans
Nerine bowdenii, commonly known as the Guernsey Lily, is not typically considered toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of its toxicity or symptoms associated with poisoning in humans following ingestion. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivity can vary, and it is generally advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
The Guernsey Lily is not widely known to be toxic to pets. There is limited information on the toxicity of Nerine bowdenii to animals such as cats and dogs, and it does not appear on common lists of toxic plants for pets. As a precaution, pet owners should prevent their pets from ingesting this or any unknown plants, as individual animals might have different sensitivities or reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 foot (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Nerine bowdenii, commonly known as Guernsey Lily, boasts attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: It flowers in late summer to autumn, providing color and beauty when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Guernsey Lily is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for gardeners seeking water-wise plants.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners or those with limited gardening experience.
- Bulb Naturalization: Over time, Guernsey Lily bulbs can naturalize an area, spreading and creating a vibrant display without needing to be replanted each year.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright and showy flowers of Nerine bowdenii attract pollinators such as bees, providing an additional benefit for the ecosystem of a garden.
- Resilience to Pests: Guernsey Lily is generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments and benefiting the environment.
- Cut Flowers: The stems and blooms of Guernsey Lily make excellent cut flowers, providing long-lasting and attractive arrangements for indoor enjoyment.
- Easy to Propagate: It can be easily propagated by dividing the bulbs, allowing gardeners to create more plants for free and share with others.
- Adaptability: While it prefers well-drained soil and full sun, Guernsey Lily can adapt to a range of soil types and partial shade conditions.
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 bulbs can be a natural pest repellent when planted in the garden, as their scent can deter certain pests.
- Floral arrangements often utilize the long-lasting cut flowers of the Nerine bowdenii for their striking color and unique form.
- The plant can be used as an education tool in botanical and horticultural studies due to its interesting growth habits and propagation methods.
- Nerine bowdenii can be planted as part of a drought-resistant gardening strategy, as they are hardy and can survive with minimal water once established.
- In mild climates, Nerine bowdenii provides a vibrant autumn color when many other plants are starting to decline.
- Some people use dried Nerine bowdenii flowers in crafts and dried flower arrangements for their lasting color.
- Garden designers sometimes use Nerine bowdenii to create eye-catching borders or patterns within a landscape design.
- Photographers and artists may use Nerine bowdenii as a subject for their work due to its photogenic qualities and vivid colors.
- Nerine bowdenii's ability to naturalize in suitable conditions makes it a candidate for ecological gardening and habitat restoration projects.
- The bulbs of Nerine bowdenii can be given as gifts to fellow gardeners or used in plant swaps as they are easy to divide and grow.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Nerine, or Guernsey Lily, is not typically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Nerine, or Guernsey Lily, is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Nerine bowdenii, commonly known as the Guernsey lily, often blooms robustly after a period of dormancy, symbolizing the ability to thrive after adversity.
- Surprise and Renewal: The Guernsey lily's sudden appearance in the fall, with minimal foliage, represents unexpected beauty and rejuvenation.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, the bright and striking flowers of the Guernsey lily are believed to bring good luck.
WaterGuernsey Lilies should be watered sparingly during the growth and blooming season, approximately once a week with about 1-2 gallons per plant depending on the soil moisture level and weather conditions. After flowering, reduce watering gradually as the leaves begin to die back. During their dormant period in summer, refrain from watering to allow the bulbs to rest.
LightGuernsey Lilies thrive best in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day is ideal to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering. Avoid locations that are overly shaded, as this can lead to poor blooming.
TemperatureGuernsey Lilies prefer moderate temperatures and can generally withstand a temperature range of 28°F to 86°F. Ideally, they flourish when the temperature lies between 50°F and 75°F, which promotes good growth and flowering. They are not frost-tolerant and should be protected or moved indoors in regions with harsh winter conditions.
PruningGuernsey Lilies generally do not require pruning; however, removing spent flower stalks after blooming can help to direct the plant’s energy back to the bulb. Trim back dead foliage at the end of the growing season before dormancy. The best time for this minimal pruning is immediately after flowering or during late fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGuernsey Lily thrives in a well-draining, sandy loam soil with added organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. The soil pH should ideally be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts sand to one part peat and one part loam is an ideal growing medium for the Guernsey Lily.
RepottingGuernsey Lily (Nerine bowdenii) is typically not repotted frequently as it prefers to be left undisturbed. However, it can be repotted every 3 to 5 years, or once the bulbs become crowded in their current container. Best done when the plant is not in active growth, preferably after the leaves have died down.
Humidity & MistingGuernsey Lily prefers moderate humidity levels, but as a bulbous plant, it is relatively tolerant of varying conditions. Aim for humidity levels around 40-60%, which is typical of many indoor environments. They don't require the high humidity that tropical plants might need.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Guernsey Lily in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant Guernsey Lily in sunny spot, protect from harsh frost.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleNerine bowdenii, commonly known as the Bowden lily, starts its cycle when its bulb breaks dormancy in spring, sprouting long, strap-shaped leaves. After the vegetative growth, the bulb enters a period of dormancy in summer, when the leaves die back. The bulb conserves energy before initiating the flowering stalk as temperatures cool down in late summer to autumn; this stalk is topped by a cluster of funnel-shaped, pink flowers. Once flowering is complete, the ovary if successfully pollinated, will develop into a capsule containing seeds. Seeds can be dispersed once the capsule dries and splits open, giving rise to new plants if they land in favorable conditions. The parent bulb can also produce offsets or bulblets, contributing to the vegetative propagation of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early autumn
Nerine bowdenii, commonly known as Guernsey Lily or Cape Flower, is usually propagated by dividing bulbs, a process best done when the plants are dormant. The most popular method of propagation for Guernsey Lily is through division of the offsets or bulbils that form around the base of the mother bulb. To propagate, carefully lift the entire clump of bulbs from the ground after the foliage has died back, which is usually in late summer or early fall. Brush off any soil and gently separate the offsets from the main bulb. Each offset should have a portion of the basal plate to ensure it can grow into a new plant. These smaller bulbs can then be replanted immediately about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) deep and approximately 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart, in well-draining soil where they will receive full sun to partial shade. With proper care, the offsets will mature and begin to flower in a few years, continuing the cycle of the Guernsey Lily's growth and blooming.
