NERINE: 25+ species. Named after the sea nymphs of Greek mythology, Nerine belongs to the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis) family of herbaceous perennials. Several species are grown under glass for cut flowers, especially in the Channel Islands and the Netherlands. These include N. sarniensis var. corusca 'Major' and the white-flowered N. flexuosa 'Alba'. N. sarniensis is reputed to have become naturalised after a ship from Japan was wrecked on the Guernsey coast in the 17th century. Whether this story is true or not, its bulbs have been cultivated there for more than three centuries.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Nerine bowdenii is a spectacular and unmistakable bulbous perennial and one of the few truly hardy Nerines, being able to withstand well below zero winter temperatures. It flowers outdoors from September to early November, with stems 30cm-50cm tall. The flowers are long-lasting both outdoors and when cut for indoor decoration. The strap-like leaves emerge a little after flowering and last through the winter undamaged, dying down in the summer. Flowers are borne on tall scapes, and are formed by a loose umbel of five to 10 trumpet-shaped, bright pink flowers. Each flower has six narrow perianths with wavy edges. They have a faint musky scent. First brought to Britain from its native South Africa by Cornish Bowden in 1903.

CULTIVATION: Prefers full sun and a very well drained soil.Grows to form a clump, which can be divided after flowering