Guernsey lily

Nerine sarniensis

South African bulb with brilliant scarlet or pink autumn flowers carried in umbels on bare stems. Petals appear dusted with gold or silver in low light. The traditional Guernsey hothouse flower.

Hardiness ratings

Guernsey lily hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 8–10 −12.2 °C to 4.4 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H3 −5 °C to 1 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 3–7 −5 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Flowers September–November — late equinox to early winter marker in warm gardens or under glass
  • Frost-tender — grown as a pot plant in temperate climates, lifted under glass for winter
  • Brought to Guernsey by shipwreck from the East — became established commercially in the Channel Islands
  • Many richly coloured named hybrids exist for collectors

Pet caution: Guernsey lily is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Guernsey lily against your zones

Reference

Guernsey lily on Wikipedia