The first time I came across nerines was when my wife was choosing her wedding bouquet.

The florist spoke of 'elegant, exotic, starry, silvery pink' flowers and I imagined them being flown in from a faraway desert island.

Admittedly nerines do hail from the warmer climes of South Africa. But they are a surprisingly hardy plant and are easily grown in the rather chillier UK climate.

There are records of nerines being grown in England as far back as the 1600s. They are extremely useful because they provide a welcome splash of vibrant colour at a time when most gardens are looking a little bare.

The most reliable variety to grow on these shores is Nerine bowdenii which produces clusters of pink flowers in September/October.

The wide pink flowers have wavy narrow petals that curl backwards. The stems are naked and leafless until the long, strappy leaves appear in spring.

It's also possible to extend the flowering season into November by planting varieties like 'Pink Triumph' available from some specialist nurseries. 'Jenny Wren' has been known to flower as late as December.

The Guernsey Lily, N sarniensis, produces a huge range of blooms in shades ranging from orange and cerise to purple and crimson. But they are not hardy and need to be grown in a cool, frost-free conservatory or greenhouse or on a windowsill.

However, if you don't mind experimenting, try N undulata in sheltered conditions outside.

Ideally, nerines love their natural habitat which is a loose, stony mountainside. However, if you can't run to a mountain, the foot of a south-facing wall will do just as well.

But even that isn't vital. They will also grow happily in pots of John Innes No 3 soil-based compost with a little extra grit added to improve drainage.

Wherever they are planted they don't like wet conditions so make sure there is good drainage and if your soil is heavy, dig in some horticultural grit or coarse sand.

The bulbs of the nerine are similar in size and shape to those of daffodils. They should be planted immediately after purchase.

Plant them in groups 15cm (6in) apart but not too deeply. Leave the 'nose' of each bulb sticking up through the soil.

The same applies to planting in pots. Top the pot off with 1cm (half an inch) of grit. Water freely while they are in active growth but allow the compost to dry out a little between waterings.

In winter, a thick layer of mulch, peat or bracken applied to outdoor bulbs will help to protect the crowns from frost.

Reduce watering in spring when the foliage yellows. And in summer, keep pots dry and well ventilated while they are resting.

Don't be too eager to divide congested clumps as they often produce the best flowers. When you do lift them, do it in July when they are dormant.

Nerines look best against a backdrop of evergreens. Combine them with contrasting blue salvias or mix them with plants that enjoy similar conditions, such as dianthus.

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