Nerine 'Pamela' is an elegant autumn-flowering bulb producing clusters of soft salmon-pink flowers on tall, slender stems. The narrow petals curl and ripple as they open, giving the flowers the delicate, almost sparkling appearance for which Nerines are so highly valued.
Flowering during October and November, 'Pamela' brings welcome colour to the garden at a time when many summer plants are beginning to fade. Growing to approximately 50-60cm tall, it is particularly effective in sunny containers, sheltered borders and conservatory displays.
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Botanical name: Nerine 'Pamela'
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Common name: Nerine
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Plant type: Bulbous perennial
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Flower colour: Salmon pink
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Flowering time: October-November
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Height: Approximately 50-60cm
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Spread: Approximately 20-30cm
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Position: Full sun
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Soil: Very well-drained, gritty soil or compost
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Hardiness: Best protected from severe winter cold and wet
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Ideal for: Containers, conservatories, cold greenhouses and sheltered sunny borders
About Nerine 'Pamela'
'Pamela' is grown for its graceful heads of salmon-pink flowers, which appear on largely bare stems in autumn. Each bloom has long, narrow petals with gently waved edges, giving the flower head a light and airy appearance.
The colouring is softer than the vivid magenta tones seen in many Nerines, making 'Pamela' particularly attractive in pastel planting schemes. Its salmon-pink flowers combine beautifully with silver foliage, ornamental grasses and late-flowering perennials.
Late Autumn Flowers
Nerine 'Pamela' normally flowers from October into November. The blooms are carried high on stems reaching around 50-60cm, creating a strong splash of colour when the rest of the garden is moving towards dormancy.
For the greatest effect, plant several bulbs together. Established clumps can produce multiple flowering stems, creating an increasingly impressive display each autumn.
Where to Grow Nerine 'Pamela'
Choose the warmest, sunniest and best-drained position available. Nerines flower best when their bulbs receive plenty of summer warmth, and sharp drainage is especially important through winter.
A sunny wall, raised bed or gravel garden may provide suitable outdoor conditions in sheltered gardens. In colder or wetter areas, container cultivation is preferable because the bulbs can be moved into protected conditions during winter.
How to Plant Nerine Bulbs
Nerine bulbs should be planted shallowly. Position them so that the neck and upper part of each bulb remain exposed above the compost or soil. Planting too deeply can reduce flowering and increase the risk of the bulb rotting.
For pots, use a very free-draining compost containing plenty of horticultural grit. Several bulbs can be planted together fairly closely, as Nerines often flower particularly well once they become established and slightly crowded.
Height and Spread
Nerine 'Pamela' reaches approximately 50-60cm tall in flower and develops an eventual spread of around 20-30cm. Mature bulbs can produce offsets and gradually develop into wider clumps over time.
Winter Protection
'Pamela' is best protected from severe frost and prolonged winter wet. Container-grown plants can be moved into a cold greenhouse or conservatory, where they remain bright and airy while avoiding the worst weather.
Keep watering relatively restrained during colder periods and ensure excess moisture can always drain freely.
After Flowering
Once flowering has finished, allow the foliage to remain and grow naturally. Healthy leaves replenish the bulb and help support the following year's flowers.
Avoid disturbing established bulbs unnecessarily. Nerines generally flower most reliably when allowed to remain in the same pot or planting position for several years.
Why Grow Nerine 'Pamela'?
- Elegant salmon-pink flowers
- Flowers very late in October and November
- Distinctive curled and wavy petals
- Graceful stems reaching 50-60cm
- Spread of approximately 20-30cm
- Excellent for containers
- Ideal for conservatories and cold greenhouses
- Can be tried outdoors in a very sheltered, sunny position
- Useful for extending the flowering season well into autumn
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Nerine 'Pamela' flower?
It normally flowers during October and November.
How tall does Nerine 'Pamela' grow?
Flowering stems generally reach approximately 50-60cm tall.
What is the spread of Nerine 'Pamela'?
Allow approximately 20-30cm for an established plant. Clumps may gradually become wider as the bulbs produce offsets.
What colour are the flowers?
'Pamela' produces attractive salmon-pink flowers with narrow, gently recurved petals.
Is Nerine 'Pamela' hardy in the UK?
It is best given protection from severe frost and prolonged winter wet. Growing it in a pot makes it easy to move into a cold greenhouse or conservatory for winter.
How deeply should I plant Nerine bulbs?
Plant them shallowly, leaving the neck and upper portion of the bulb exposed above soil or compost level.
Can Nerine 'Pamela' be grown in a pot?
Yes. Container cultivation is an excellent choice. Use a very gritty, free-draining compost and keep the pot in a sunny position.
With its soft salmon-pink autumn flowers, elegant curled petals and late flowering season, Nerine 'Pamela' is a beautiful choice for extending colour into October and November, whether grown in a sunny container or a carefully chosen sheltered position outdoors.