Nerine bowdenii 'Top Hat'

RHS Plant Profile
Bowden lily 'Top Hat'

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Bulbs

A summer-dormant perennial autumn-flowering bulb with large terminal umbels of wavy-petalled funnel-shaped mauve-pink flowers with a white mid-stripe, followed by the growth of rich green long, strappy foliage in autumn once the temperature drops. Has a longer flowering season of upto eight weeks and stands out for its magnificently strong foliage.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
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)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will grow best in well-drained soil preferably in a sheltered position and in full sun for best flowering performance. Plant bulbs 10cm apart with the neck of the bulb showing above the soil except for colder areas where they will prefer to be planted 5cm underground for frost protection. See also Nerine cultivation This plant was included in the RHS Nerine bowdenii trial 2012-2017 https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/plant-trials-and-awards/nerine-bowdenii-final-11jun2018.pdf

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Remove spent flower heads to avoid self-seeding and clear away dead foliage once the plant becomes dormant

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to virus diseases