Nerine Planting Guide

Nerines are an oldie but a goodie - According to a popular anecdote, Nerine got its common name (well, not so common in New Zealand), Guernsey lily, when a specimen washed up on the shores of Guernsey, an island in the English Channel, thus introducing the South African native to Europe.

Tough as they are beautiful, Nerines thrive in heat and dryness - they do best in full Sun, in sandy, very well-drained soil. Each bare stem holds a cluster of recurved petals, creating a neat star-shaped bloom.

In New Zealand gardens, they flower from late summer into early autumn, filling the gap between spring bulbs and winter performers, meaning your garden never feels in limbo!

They’re also a florist’s dream: one of the longest-lasting cut flowers you can grow. With simple care at harvest, a vase of Nerines will keep brightening your home for weeks.

Nerines should be planted as soon as you receive them.

Planting Nerines

• Site your Nerines in Full Sun, with free draining soil.
• Loosen the soil to a depth of 15cm, adding in some good general purpose fertilizer, or ideally our special bulb food mix.
• Plant your Nerines with the neck of the Bulb above the surface of the soil (the top of Nerine Bulbs should never be fully buried)
• Water lightly.

Nerines for cutting…

• Nerines make a fantastic cut flower, with very good vase life.
• You should cut the stems of your Nerines so that you leave about 5-10cm on the plant itself.
• Ideally, you should pick your flowers in the mornings to avoid the heat, and while the blooms haven’t fully opened - Nerines will continue to open up once they’re in your vase.
• Keep them in cool water, away from the windows, as the heat will affect their vase life - you should re-trim the stems every day or two, and replace the water.

After Flowering…

• Nerines like to be left undisturbed, so we recommend leaving them in the ground to bulk up - eventually.
• After a few years of bulking, you should dig them out and split them up (replant immediately after digging)

Combining Nerines in the Garden

After flowering, their strappy leaves pair well with evergreen groundcovers or ornamental grasses. For a seamless late-season display, plant them near Japanese anemones, salvias or dahlias. In pots, try underplanting with thyme or sedum for a layered look.

A Classic Making a Comeback

Once thought of as an “old-fashioned” bulb and hard to find beyond specialist growers, Nerines are enjoying a well-deserved revival. We’ve been building up our collection quietly for years and now offer one of New Zealand’s widest ranges, from timeless favourites to brand-new releases.

Our collection features gentle pink pastels, such as Pink Fairy, to vibrant reds seen in Afterglow. 

Quick Tips at a Glance

• Sun-loving, drought-tolerant bulbs
• Exceptional vase life
• Best left undisturbed to bulk up
• Available in a rainbow of colours