Nerine sarniensis '09

[mark smyth]

I know at least two forum members grow N. sarniensis

Here are some teasers from my collection

[Jean-Patrick AGIER]

Hi Mark,
I don't personnally grow Nerine Sarniensis, but I've tried once digging the "bulbs" in the ground. And nothing special happenned... because they aren't hardy.  You just put the bulbs on the surface of the compost??? How strange... but apparently effective! Could you tell a bit more?
Regards
Jean-Patrick

[mark smyth]

Jean-Patrick the bulbs need to be ripened by the sun for them to produce a flower spike. This is why Nerines planted in the same way as Narcissis, 15cm deep, fail to flower. Mine as you can see need to be raised up a couple of cms in their pots. I wanted to do this after repotting all my other bulbs but I have run out of time.

Nerines do not need a rich mix so as I repot I'm using a free draining mix of horticultural grit, sand and a small amount of leaf mould. In the spring when I remember I feed with tomoato food.

In the summer they do not want to dry out totally so very few weeks I give them some water.

[johnw]

Mark - Your nerine bulbs look very plump and healthy. Mine I'm afraid are grossly overcrowded but spikes are starting - far too early for my liking.

Anxious to see your Berlioz and Bagdad flowers.

johnw

[mark smyth]

So you have been squinting at the labels! Of course I will post photos.

First N. sarniensis is open today - Inchmery Kate

[mark smyth]

For JohnW - 'Inchmery Kate'

[johnw]

For JohnW - 'Inchmery Kate'

Wow Mark, thanks.  Twenty-five years ago the "Inchmery ..."s  were considered to be the best of the lot.  They still are at the top. Back then they were impossible to find, always sold out.

Have you been able to find 'Rosita Missoni" over there?  It is a corker too.

johnw

 

[mark smyth]

Not until you you mentioned it. It's gorg.
http://www.nerines.com/Rasputin_-/IMAG038A.JPG

[mark smyth]

The next Nerine is out. Stupid name for a plant that isnt purple. N. sarniensis 'Purple Robe'

[johnw]

The next Nerine is out. Stupid name for a plant that isnt purple. N. sarniensis 'Purple Robb'

Mark - It's 'Purple Robe', you're right it is a stupid name. Mine will flower soon and I'll post a shot.

johnw

[mark smyth]

Thanks John. The label is now changed

[johnw]

Seems the flowering of Nerines is determined two years before flowering so I won't know much about the new mix I used last summer.  By the time they are about to flower I will have to repot them again.

One N. undulata seedling just getting ready to flower, it looks to be big and orangish so must be a case of a stray bulb rather than a hybrid.

johnw

[mark smyth]

Where did you read/hear this? This means mine will fail to flower in 2010 because 2008 and 2009 have been poor summers.

[dominique]

inchmerry kate is fabulous ! Thank Mark

[johnw]

Where did you read/hear this? This means mine will fail to flower in 2010 because 2008 and 2009 have been poor summers.

Mark  - Would your leaves not be gone by summer time? In which case flower bud formation would have been set already (for 2 years hence, see below).  Seems to me that winter and late spring sun would be important; that could be problematic here as April/May/June are damp and foggy here though not this year.

Here is the source, the Nerine Study Weekend of the RHS:

http://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/plant_groups/NerineStudyDay.pdf

The relevant part starts at page 41 of 64

johnw