The Exbury Nerine Collection
Exbury’s collection of nerines is unrivalled. It consists of 1,000 cultivars of Nerine sarniensis, many of which can be seen displayed at Exbury each Autumn.
About the collection
This nerine species comes originally from South Africa, where the orange flowering bulbs grow in the mountains of the southern Cape Province. It arrived in Europe in the 1600s and made its home on the island of Guernsey, from whence this nerine gets the common name of the ‘Guernsey Lily’. Also known as the ‘Jewel Lily’, the petals of this species have the remarkable habit of sparkling in sunlight.
These nerines flower in the autumn, after a period of summer dormancy. They require a frost-free growing area or greenhouse as they are unable to tolerate prolonged frost and, if kept in the proper environment, are extremely long lived.
Our annual Nerine Exhibition closes the season here at Exbury. Join us for a remarkable display of cultivars in an array of colours, and the opportunity to take home plants during our annual nerine sale. Visit our What’s On page for further information.
Cultivation guide
Potting instructions
Exbury recommends the following compost formula for successful nerines:
12 parts John Innes No. 3
2 parts course grit
2 parts sharp sand
2 parts bulb fibre
1 part rotted manure
Plant the bulb with 1⁄3 above ground and 2⁄3 in the compost.
Annual cycle
September: Start watering weekly
October: Flower spike emerges, followed by leaves. Keep pots damp but do not overwater. Feed fortnightly with weak liquid manure or similar fertilizer for good leaf growth. Keep frost free. Nerines like to be cool at night (down to 3°C).
April: Dormant period starts. When leaves die back – remove when dry. Do not water or remove outer layer of dead looking skin from bulb. We advocate one soaking of water at the end of July to maintain healthy roots then leave dry until September.
Any repotting should be done May-August.
Gallery
Abu Simbel – Betelgeuse
Bette Davis – Cleopatra
Colette – Falaise
Fanta -Hermione
Hiawatha – Lady Annie Chichester
Lady Cynthia Colville – Mertoun
Minos – Outspan
Palestrina -Roy Prior
Ruby Wedding – Sveva Pio
Sweet Felicity – Zulu Warrior
Explore Exbury —
Something for everyone
Gardens
There is always something new to see at Exbury. In spring, our world-famous collection of rhododendrons and azaleas sets us apart from other gardens.
Café & restaurant
Mr Eddy’s Restaurant, the Old Tennis Courts outdoor café, the Potting Shed*, Rhodo Pizza* and Charlotte’s Little Ice Cream Kitchen* are managed by award-winning local caterers The Little Kitchen Company.
Events & activities
We will be hosting a varied programme of events throughout the season, including school holiday workshops, family games and trails, creative workshops for adults, and theatre and music events.