Nerine bowdenii (Japanese Spider Lily, Cape Flower, Bowden Cornish Lily)

Botanical Information

FamilyLiliaceae
GenusNerine
Speciesbowdenii
CategoryBulbs, Perennials
OriginOriginally thought to be a native of Japan, it is now thought to originate from South Africa. It was introduced into cultivation in Europe in about 1630.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7b - 8a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone7
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15 to (-9)
Temperature (°F)5 - 15
Height35 - 50 cm
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodSeptember, October

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionNerine bowdenii is a bulbous perennial with terminal clusters of lily-like flowers with pink, slightly undulate, curling petals.
CultivationThey do not compete well with other plants and thus are best suited to a location in the garden with reduced competition. In colder climates bulbs tend to be pushed up to the surface and may need to be 're-seated' before winter. All plants benefit from a deep mulch.
PestsNo serious pests or diseases of note. Slugs may be a problem.
Notable SpecimensThe Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Lanhydrock Gardens, Cornwall, England. Trengwainton Garden, Madron, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Trebah Gardens, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionLong and narrow, deep fuchsia pink.
Leaf DescriptionRich green.
Flower DescriptionLily-like, 6 - 8 cm in diameter; narrow, pink, curling petals with undulate margins; long stamens and even longer pistil, all with curling ends.
Fruit DescriptionPurple-black, globose, in clusters.

Photographs