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Nerine sarniensis

Guernsey lily

© RHS
Sold by 11 nurseries

  • Other common names Guernsey lily
    Jersey lily

    narcissus of Japan
    spider lily

    see more

  • Family Amaryllidaceae

  • Genus Nerine are summer-dormant, perennial bulbs with erect leafless stems each bearing a terminal umbel of funnel-shaped flowers in autumn, and strap-shaped or linear leaves appearing after the flowers

  • Details N. sarniensis is a bulbous perennial with stout stems bearing in early autumn umbels of long-stamened, red or orange-red flowers to 4cm across, the narrow tepals recurved and wavy-edged. Narrowly strap-shaped leaves appear after the flowers

  • Plant range S Africa (W Cape)

Characteristics

  • Foliage Deciduous

  • Habit Clump-forming

  • Toxicity Acute ingestion may cause mild stomach upset

  • Hardiness

    Hardiness ratings

    All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

    • H1a - Under glass all year (>15C)
    • H1b - Can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
    • H1c - Can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
    • H2 - Tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
    • H3 - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
    • H4 - Hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
    • H5 - Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
    • H6 - Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
    • H7 - Hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

    H2

Colour

Sunlight

  • Full Sun

  • Aspect South-facing or East-facing

  • Exposure Sheltered

Soil

  • Sand

    Sand

  • Clay

    Clay

  • Chalk

    Chalk

  • Loam

    Loam

  • MoistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained

  • SoilSand, Clay, Chalk, Loam

  • pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral

Size

  • Ultimate height 0.1-0.5 metres

  • Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres

  • Time to ultimate height 5-10 years

How to grow

Cultivation Plant in early spring in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Protect in colder areas with a deep dry mulch over winter. See also nerine cultivation

Propagation Propagate by seed sown with moderate heat as soon as ripe or by division after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Cut Flowers Wall-side Borders City & Courtyard Gardens Coastal Cottage & Informal Garden Gravel Garden Mediterranean Climate Plants Patio & Container Plants

How to care

Pruning No pruning required

Pests Slugs may be a problem

Diseases Generally disease free

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