Nerine bowdenii 'Adele' produces clean white flowers in early autumn when many borders begin to fade. Each bloom has narrow petals with gently waved edges that curl backwards. The flowers sit on tall stems and stand clear above the foliage.

You get colour in September and October, a time when many gardens lack fresh flowers. Plant the bulbs in a warm, sunny spot and they return year after year with little effort.

This nerine is also known as Bowden lily or simply hardy nerine.

Key Features

• Botanical name: Nerine bowdenii 'Adele'
• Common names: Bowden lily, hardy nerine
• Plant type: Bulbous perennial
• Flower colour: White
• Flowering time: September to October
• Height: 40–60 cm
• Spread: 10–20 cm per clump
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Very well drained soil
• Hardiness: Frost hardy in sheltered UK gardens

Why Plant Nerine bowdenii 'Adele'

• Late autumn flowers when many plants finish blooming
• Clean white colour works well in mixed borders
• Reliable perennial that improves when left undisturbed
• Works well against sunny walls or in gravel gardens
• Good cut flowers for indoor displays

Wildlife Value

The open flowers provide late nectar for pollinating insects.

• Visited by late flying bees
• Can attract hoverflies searching for autumn nectar
• Supports garden pollinators when few flowers remain

Want to extend food for insects into autumn? This plant helps fill that gap.

Planting Tips

• Plant bulbs with the neck just above the soil surface
• Choose a sunny wall or sheltered border
• Ensure excellent drainage. Add grit if soil is heavy
• Space bulbs about 10–15 cm apart
• Do not disturb established clumps
• Allow bulbs to crowd over time for stronger flowering

Where to Grow

• Sunny borders
• Gravel gardens
• South facing walls
• Mediterranean style planting schemes
• Containers with free draining compost

Place them where you can see the flowers in autumn light. A warm wall often gives the best results in UK gardens.