Nerine Nerine bowdenii 'Stefanie'
ABOUT
The Nerine bowdenii 'Stefanie', commonly known as Guernsey Lily or Jersey Lily, boasts a vibrant display of pink-hued, lily-like flowers. These prominent blooms are arranged in clusters at the top of a leafless stalk, each cluster forming a striking, rounded umbel. The individual flowers exhibit recurved petals, which add an elegant and somewhat exotic flair to the plant's appearance as they fan outward from the center. The petals are typically adorned with delicate, darker pink veining, giving depth and texture to the visual presentation of the flower. Below these captivating blossoms, the plant produces slender, strap-like leaves that are a deep green color, offering a contrasting backdrop that highlights the bright blooms. The leaves are glossy and arch gracefully, emanating directly from the base of the plant, forming an attractive tuft of foliage. The ‘Stefanie’ variety of Guernsey Lily is particularly noted for its robust and vivacious flowers, making it a sought-after choice for gardeners who wish to inject a splash of color into their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Bowden Lily, Cape Flower, Guernsey Lily, Jersey Lily, Cornish Lily
Common names
Nerine bowdenii 'Stefanie'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Nerine bowdenii 'Stefanie' is Nerine. Nerines are not commonly listed as toxic to humans. However, as with many ornamental plants, it is not advisable to ingest any part of them. In general, if a large amount of a non-edible plant is consumed, it could potentially cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If any part of the plant is ingested and symptoms appear, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
The common name of Nerine bowdenii 'Stefanie' is Nerine. Nerines are not well-documented for their toxicity to pets, but as a precaution, it is often recommended to prevent pets from ingesting the plant. If a pet does consume parts of a Nerine, they may experience symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. If these or other concerning symptoms occur, it is important to contact a veterinarian for advice and possible intervention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and exotic beauty to gardens with its bright pink, trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the fall, providing a splash of color when many other plants are starting to decline.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for dry or drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: Requires very little care once planted, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those who prefer low-maintenance landscapes.
- Perennial Growth: As a bulbous plant, it returns year after year, offering long-term value and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, which is beneficial for the environment and the health of other plants.
- Resistance to Pests: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, so it's less likely to need chemical treatments.
- Breeding Ground Protection: Being a bulbous plant, Nerine bowdenii 'Stefanie' can help protect the soil structure and microfauna during the off-season when the foliage dies back.
- Easy to Propagate: Readily produces offsets, which can be divided and shared, making it a cost-effective way to expand your garden or share with other gardeners.
- Container Growing: Suitable for potting in containers, allowing for cultivation on patios, balconies, or in situations with limited space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flower: Nerine bowdenii 'Stefanie' is commonly used in floral arrangements due to its vibrant pink blooms and long-lasting cut flowers.
- Photography Subject: Due to its striking appearance, Nerine is often used as a subject in botanical photography and plant portraiture.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Nerine as a model for paintings, drawings, and other forms of botanical art.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach students about bulb plant growth and reproduction.
- Garden Borders: Nerine can be planted along the edges of garden beds to create a colorful and textured border.
- Theme Gardens: This plant is sometimes used in 'pink' themed gardens or seasonal autumn displays due to its pink flowering in late summer to fall.
- Container Gardening: Nerine can be grown in pots or containers as a patio or balcony ornamental plant.
- Ecological Studies: Nerine can be used in studies to understand the relationship between flowering plants and pollinators in their native environment.
- Wedding Decor: Its elegant flowers are occasionally incorporated into wedding flower arrangements and venue decorations.
- Conservatory Displays: Nerine is suitable for inclusion in conservatories or greenhouse displays, especially during its blooming season.
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: Being a hardy plant that can withstand tough conditions, Nerine bowdenii, commonly known as the Guernsey lily, symbolizes resilience and the ability to endure challenging situations.
- Surprise and Astonishment: Guernsey lilies bloom in the autumn when most other plants are starting to fade. This unexpected blossoming is often associated with surprise and the capacity to astonish.
- Good Fortune: With its bright and striking flowers, the Guernsey lily is sometimes considered to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to those who grow it or receive it.
- Beauty and Elegance: The Guernsey lily's delicate and attractive appearance often represents beauty, grace, and elegance in the language of flowers.
WaterGuernsey lilies should be watered moderately once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 7 to 10 days during their active growth period in the spring and summer. It's important to reduce watering after their leaves die back in the fall and during their dormant period in winter, limiting it to just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out, perhaps once every few weeks. The amount of water required can vary, but a general guideline is to provide about half a gallon per plant each time you water, ensuring even moisture distribution throughout the pot or planting area. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so it's critical to provide good drainage and avoid letting the bulbs sit in waterlogged soil.
LightThe Guernsey lily thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. Ideally, they should be positioned where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. They can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can reduce flowering. A south-facing spot will generally provide the best light conditions for robust growth and prolific blooming.
TemperatureGuernsey lilies prefer a temperate climate and do best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during their growing season. They can survive brief periods of lower temperatures down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the foliage and flowers. Ideally, they should not be exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods as this can stress the plant.
PruningGuernsey lilies require minimal pruning. The primary reason to prune is to remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and prevent disease. Pruning should be done after flowering, typically in late fall, by cutting the spent flower stalks down to the base with clean shears. Do not remove the leaves until they have naturally yellowed and withered, as they provide energy for the bulb to produce next year's blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGuernsey Lily (Nerine bowdenii 'Stefanie') thrives in well-drained soil with rich organic matter. Its ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part well-rotted compost or manure will provide optimal growth conditions.
RepottingGuernsey Lily does not require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 3 to 5 years. This allows the bulbs to establish and multiply, as they prefer not to be disturbed.
Humidity & MistingGuernsey Lily prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It can tolerate the humidity levels found in most homes without the need for any special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil and full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Nerine bowdenii 'Stefanie', commonly known as the Pink Nerine or Bowden Cornish Lily, begins its life cycle as a dormant bulb which sprouts in late summer with slender, strap-shaped leaves. In fall, it produces tall, leafless scapes topped with clusters of trumpet-shaped, typically pink flowers. After flowering, the leaves continue to photosynthesize, allowing the plant to store energy in the bulb for the next growing season. Once the foliage dies back in late spring, the plant enters a dormancy period during the hot, dry summer months. During this dormant phase, it is crucial that the bulbs remain relatively dry to prevent rot. When conditions become favorable again in late summer, the cycle restarts with new foliage growth, leading up to the next flowering period.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring
The most popular method for propagating Nerine bowdenii 'Stefanie', commonly known as a type of Guernsey Lily, is by offset bulbs. These offsets, or daughter bulbs, are naturally produced by the parent plant beneath the soil. The optimal time for propagation is when the plant is dormant, generally after the foliage has died back in late summer to autumn. Carefully lift the clump of bulbs and gently separate the offsets from the mother bulb with your hands. Replant these offsets immediately at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) and spaced 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart, in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Water them in well to initiate root growth, and with proper care, these offsets will develop into mature flowering plants within a couple of seasons.
