Guernsey Lily Nerine 'Afterglow'
ABOUT
Nerine 'Afterglow' is a striking plant known for its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. Its blossoms showcase a brilliant shade, resembling a warm, luminous pink hue that can add a pop of color to any setting. The flowers are arranged in a clustered manner that forms an umbrella-like shape at the top of each stem. Each individual bloom has a unique, recurved petal arrangement, giving the flowers a delicate and somewhat frilly appearance which enhances their ornamental value. The leaves of Nerine 'Afterglow' emerge as slender, strap-like structures that gracefully arch away from the base of the plant. They have a rich, dark green color that contrasts with the vivid pink of the flowers, emphasizing the plant's visual appeal. These foliage elements typically emerge before the flowers, providing excellent ground coverage and textural interest even when the plant is not in bloom. The overall impression of Nerine 'Afterglow' is one of elegance and brightness. Its appealing combination of striking flowers and lush foliage makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts who wish to add a touch of dramatic flair to their plant collections. With its showy appearance, this plant can serve as both a focal point in gardens or as part of a mixed border where its colors can interplay with the hues of other plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Jersey Lily, Guernsey Lily, Cornish Lily, Cape Flower, Bowden Lily
Common names
Nerine 'Afterglow'.
ToxicityTo humans
Nerine 'Afterglow' is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. However, as with any plant that is not typically consumed as food, it is advisable to exercise caution and not ingest any part of it. If ingested, there might be a risk of stomach upset or an allergic reaction, but there is no widely reported significant toxicity associated with this plant in humans.
To pets
Nerine 'Afterglow' might be toxic to pets if ingested. Ingesting the bulbs in particular may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to prevent your pets from chewing on or eating any part of this plant or other ornamental plants to avoid the possibility of poisoning.
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
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Nerine 'Afterglow', also known as Guernsey Lily, produces vibrant, eye-catching blooms that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Guernsey Lily is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise gardening.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in late summer to autumn, it provides color and interest during a time when many other plants are starting to fade.
- Low Maintenance: Guernsey Lily requires minimal care and upkeep once settled, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for growing in containers, Guernsey Lily can add color to patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
- Perennial Habit: As a bulbous perennial, it returns year after year, providing long-term value and interest to the garden.
- Good Cut Flower: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, allowing you to bring the beauty of your garden indoors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nerine 'Afterglow' bulbs can be used as a natural pest repellent. The scent from the bulbs can deter certain rodents and deer from digging in garden areas.
- The sap from Nerine 'Afterglow' is sometimes used in traditional crafts to act as a natural adhesive for small objects.
- Dried Nerine 'Afterglow' flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add color and a subtle fragrance to a room.
- The plant's sturdy stalks can be used in arts and crafts projects, such as homemade wreaths or as structural support in sculptural pieces.
- Nerine 'Afterglow' can be used in floral photography to create striking compositions due to its vibrant colors and interesting textures.
- The flowers of the Nerine 'Afterglow' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a light pink hue to the material.
- Pressed Nerine 'Afterglow' flowers can be used in the art of flower pressing and included in personalized stationery or bookmarks.
- Nerine 'Afterglow' petals can be floated in water bowls as a decorative element during special events or as a part of a spa-like relaxation experience at home.
- Nerine 'Afterglow' is sometimes planted in outdoor living areas to provide a burst of color in late summer and autumn when other plants may be fading.
- The unique shape of Nerine 'Afterglow' flowers can inspire design elements in fashion or textiles, informing patterns and details.
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 'Afterglow', often referred to simply as Nerine, typically symbolizes resilience due to its ability to withstand less-than-ideal conditions and still produce stunning flowers.
- Surprise and Astonishment - The sudden burst of color from Nerine blossoms in the fall can be symbolic of surprise and astonishment, reflecting unexpected beauty in life.
- Beauty and Elegance - With its delicate and intricate flowers, Nerine is often associated with beauty and elegance, making it an emblem for gracefulness.
- Survival - Nerines flourish and bloom when not many other plants do, especially after the summer has passed, symbolizing survival and the endurance of life.
- Good Fortune - In some cultures, Nerine flowers are considered to be a sign of good fortune, especially because they bloom around the time of various festivals in the autumn.
WaterGuernsey lilies should be watered moderately when they are actively growing and blooming, which is typically in the fall. After the blooms fade and the leaves begin to yellow, reduce watering significantly. During their dormant period in summer, they should be kept dry. Water the plant with about half a gallon every two weeks during the active growth phase to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It's important to let the soil dry out slightly between watering sessions to prevent rot.
LightGuernsey lilies flourish best in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Place them in a location where they can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours daily. Avoid spots with too much shade, as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering. These plants are perfect for a sunny border or a south-facing window when grown indoors.
TemperatureGuernsey lilies thrive best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can damage the plant. Ideal growing conditions are provided by ensuring a consistently mild to warm environment without significant temperature fluctuations.
PruningPrune Guernsey lilies to remove spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage a tidy appearance and focus the plant's energy on storing nutrients for the next growing season. There's no need for extensive pruning; simply cut back the stalks to the base. Pruning is best done in late fall or whenever the flowers have finished blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNerine bowdenii 'Afterglow', commonly known as Guernsey Lily, thrives best in a soil mix with good drainage which can be achieved by combining two parts loam, one part gritty sand or perlite, and one part leaf mold or peat. The ideal soil pH for Guernsey Lilies should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGuernsey Lilies should be repotted every three to five years or when the bulbs become overcrowded in their current container. They prefer to be somewhat pot-bound, so frequent repotting is not necessary.
Humidity & MistingGuernsey Lilies prefer moderate to high humidity levels, but they can tolerate lower humidity conditions. Aim for a humidity level around 40-50% for optimal growth without special humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, less water in dormancy.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleNerine 'Afterglow', commonly known as Guernsey Lily, initiates its life cycle with the germination of seeds or the growth of offsets from a parent bulb. The bulbs enter a period of dormancy during winter where growth ceases and the plant conserves energy. In spring to early summer, foliage begins to develop in the form of long, strap-shaped leaves, and the plant undergoes vegetative growth. As the growing season progresses, the foliage dies back, and the plant enters a period of rest with minimal visible growth. By late summer or early autumn, tall flowering stems emerge, bearing clusters of trumpet-shaped, vibrant pink to red flowers that are the hallmark of Nerine 'Afterglow'. After flowering, the plant sets seed or the bulb prepares to generate offsets, and the life cycle continues.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Nerine 'Afterglow', commonly known as Guernsey Lily, is by offsets. This is typically done in late spring after the flowering season has ended. To propagate by offsets, one must carefully lift the parent bulb from the ground and gently detach any small bulblets that have formed at the base. These bulblets are the offsets, and they can be directly planted into well-draining soil with added grit or sand for better root development. Plant them with the pointed end upwards, about 1 to 2 inches deep (approximately 2.5 to 5 centimeters) and at a distance of 4 to 6 inches apart (around 10 to 15 centimeters). It is crucial that the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings, and the new offsets will develop roots and foliage, eventually flowering in subsequent seasons.
