Nerine Sarniensis - Spider lily

Even though Nerine Sarniensis - Spider lily is called a lily, it actually belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. They are bulbous perennials, some evergreen, associated with rocky and arid habitats. 

It is Native to the Northern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.

Nerine Sarniensis - Spider lily is restricted to rocky mountain slopes in the Western Cape from Citrusdal to Caledon. This is where we are based and grow a selection of plants and trees.  It usually grows on south- and north-west facing slopes.

a bulbous perennial growing to 45 cm tall by 8 cm wide.

Nerine Sarniensis - Spider Lily flowers

Nerines have been widely cultivated worldwide for their glittering beauty. They are known to be one of the longest lasting cut flowers by florists.

The glittering 'gold dust' seen in bright light on the petals of the red forms of this species is caused by the reflection of light by the red pigment present in the epidermal cell layer. The epidermal layer overlays several layers of yellow pigment beneath it. Similarly, the glittering 'silver dust' seen in bright light on the petals of the white form of this species is caused by the reflection and refraction of light at the epidermal cell surfaces, and from within the cells.

The flowers of the red forms of this species are pollinated by the mountain pride butterfly, Moneris.

Nerine comes into bloom in late summer and early autumn and carrying strap-like leaves in winter. The bulbs begin active growth in early autumn with the emergence of flower buds, followed shortly afterwards by leaves. 

The flowers may appear on naked stems before the leaves develop.

No liquid or granular fertilisers are recommended for any Nerine species as these have the effect of encouraging luxuriant leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Nerine Sarniensis - Spider lily fun facts

The meaning of Nerine is Sea nymph. Nerine is a girl's name of Greek origin. It's inspired by the Nereids or the sea-nymphs of Greek mythology who symbolised everything beautiful and kind about the sea, even protecting sailors and their ships. 

Both the scientific name and the common name, Guernsey Lily, are decidedly inappropriate for this beautiful species confined to the Western Cape of South Africa. Sarnia is the Latin for the English Channel island of Guernsey.

The origin of the name was first coined in 1725 by James Douglas. Entwined with an urban legend legend about how the species established itself on the island following a shipwreck on the shores. The story of the shipwreck was first recorded in 1680 by a professor of botany at Oxford called Robert Morison. Ironically, the boat was said to have been travelling from Japan and consequently that island was considered its native origin. Another early name used for the species was “Narcissus Japonicus”.

The truth of the matter appears to be far less romantic. No major shipwrecks were recorded on Guernsey around the time of its purported origin there. It seems more likely that plants were given to the governor on the island by a passing sailor or visiting dignitary. The plants then proved to like the climate and flourished. So much so that they were soon being exported in significant numbers to England and beyond.

By the time of James Douglas’s book the island and the plant had become so closely associated that the names became irreversibly linked.

Nerine Sarniensis - Spider lily conditions

This species is easily cultivated in a free-draining medium such as equal parts of river sand, loam, and sifted, acid compost. The bulbs are best planted with their necks fully exposed above soil level. They grow well both in containers as well as in rock gardens and herbaceous borders.

It is an ideal subject for shallow containers as well as for rockeries, in positions receiving sun for at least half the day during the winter growing season.

Watering

The bulbs cannot survive long wet periods during the summer dormant period and must be kept as dry as possible during this time. In autumn they should be given an initial drenching of water to stimulate flowering, but then should not be watered again until the leaves emerge later in the season. Thereafter they should be watered weekly.

When watering actively growing bulbs, it is always best to water heavily at well-spaced regular intervals. Rather than superficial, infrequent watering. During the growing period a heavy watering every two weeks is suggested. Allow the soil medium to dry out almost completely in between.