Nerine

Nerine refers to a generic name for plants grouped in the Amaryllidaceae family..The most well-known species of the nerine is the Nerine bowdenii which is considered the hardiest of the genus.

Description
Nerine is a bulb plant and is especially well-suited to border or pot planting, either indoors or outdoors. It produces flowers with long, slender petals that bloom in pink, orange, white or purple and have extended stems.

Habitat
Originally native to the warm climate of South Africa, Nerine has been widely cultivated over many years and several hybrids exist worldwide as a result. Through this hybridisation, a number of the species have become fairly adaptable to different temperatures.

Availability
A spray of bloom can be expected from around late August to September, when the leafless stems erupt with a typically delicate pink colour. Nerine are propagated by seed, which should be sown during a time of moderate heat. They are planted as bulbs and can take several years to reach their optimum height.

Species
Nerine is a genus which is part of the Amaryllidaceous family and Amaryllidoideae subfamily. Approximately 30 different species belong to the genus and many variations exist, each with its own distinctive features.

Care Tips
If planted in a garden environment, Nerine should be well looked after, especially in the winter when they will need protection from extreme conditions and frost. A light but sheltered position is preferable. The plant thrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil and should ideally be planted in early spring for the best results. Acid, alkaline or neutral soil works well, as does chalk, sand, loam or clay.

Did you know?
Certain varieties of Nerine appear at different times of year. The Nerine crispa blooms towards the back end of autumn, while the Nerine sarniensis emerges with vibrant red flowers at Christmas time.

References
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=1327
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/7090.shtml