Nerine

Did you know

• Nerines are named after Nereids — sea nymphs of Greek mythology — because the first European specimens arrived after a shipwreck washed bulbs onto the island of Guernsey in the 17th century.
• Guernsey lily, as it's still called there, became the national flower of the island and adorns coins and stamps.
• The petals catch light unusually because their cells contain microscopic crystals, giving the flowers a glittering, almost wet appearance in sunlight.
• Unlike most bulbs, nerines bloom on bare stems before their leaves appear — the flowers come first, foliage later.
• They're one of the few showy garden flowers that peak in October and November, lighting up the autumn border.

Color meanings

Uses

• Cut flowers
• Late-season borders
• Container plants
• Rock gardens