Scientific Name
Nerine bowdenii
Common Name
Cape Flower, Guernsey Lily, Japanese Spider Lily
NERINE
bowdenii (Pink flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Nerine bowdenii flowers in mid-summer (July) on a leafless scape for 2-3 weeks and plants are 14-20 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: South Africa
2. Common names: Cape Flower, Guernsey Lily, Japanese Spider Lily
3. Geophyte organ: Tunicated bulb
4. Hardiness type: Tender III - Injured at temperatures below 35 degrees F , (2C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by offset bulblets and requires a warm (60 to 65F) - cool (35 to 55F) - warm (60 to 65F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, rock gardens, and borders.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 12/14 cm in circumference.
2. Planting density: 12 inches apart, 1 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 8 inches to base of bulb.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zone 8 with mulch, 9 to 11 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight to PM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Tolerates drought, but requires moisture during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Coreopsis, Dianthus, Hemerocallis (yellow cvs.), Kniphofia (yellow cvs.), Leucanthemum (Shasta daisies), Peonies (white and yellow cvs.), Rudbeckia, Salvia, Verbascum (white cvs.), Rhododendron spp. (deciduous and evergreen), Cotoneaster, Berberis, Acer palmatum, Deutzia gracilis, Weigela.

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.