Nerine
Nerine is an autumn jewel — an umbel of slender, recurved petals that catch the light with an almost frosted, sugared shimmer. Native to South Africa, Nerine bowdenii flowers just as most garden blooms fade, giving florists a fresh, luminous pink for late-season weddings and arrangements. The spidery, leafless stems read as elegant and slightly exotic, and they hold impressively long in the vase. Their delicate crystalline petals bring a refined sparkle to bouquets and luxury autumn work.
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | South Africa |
| Peak season | September, October |
| Availability | August, September, October, November, December |
| Stem length | 30–60 cm |
| Vase life | 7–14 days |
| Colors | pink, white, red, coral |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut the hollow stems on a slant and give them a deep drink of cool water with flower food; buy when the first floret in the umbel is opening. Keep foliage — usually absent on cut stems — out of the water and change the water regularly to keep the hollow stems from fouling. Nerines are naturally long-lasting, so avoid excessive heat to preserve the crystalline sheen of the petals. Store cool at around 4-6°C.
- •Buy as the first floret opens
- •Recut hollow stems on a slant
- •Refresh water every couple of days
- •Keep in a cool spot
- •Handle petals gently to keep their sheen
