Guernsey lily (nerine) Nerine bowdenii
Guernsey lily (nerine) (Nerine bowdenii) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Drakensberg and Eastern Cape highlands, South Africa. It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Guernsey lily (nerine) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Guernsey lily (nerine) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Drakensberg and Eastern Cape highlands, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Guernsey lily (nerine) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: bulbs
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (lycorine-type) are present in the bulb; treat as vomiting-inducing if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Guernsey lily (nerine)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Guernsey lily (nerine)
- How far apart should I plant Guernsey lily (nerine)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Guernsey lily (nerine) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Guernsey lily (nerine) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Guernsey lily (nerine)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Guernsey lily (nerine) flower?
- From about September for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Guernsey lily (nerine) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (lycorine-type) are present in the bulb; treat as vomiting-inducing if eaten.
- What grows well with Guernsey lily (nerine)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Guernsey lily (nerine). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Flowers in autumn before the leaves; leaves grow in winter and spring, and summer baking keeps it blooming.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Onion Allium cepa
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Garlic Allium sativum
- Leek Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group)
- Chives Allium schoenoprasum
- Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
- Ornamental allium Allium giganteum
- Shallot Allium cepa var. aggregatum