Nerine bowdenii 'Ostara'

bowden lily nerine bulb

Eventual height & spread

Nerine bowdenii 'Ostara'

bowden lily nerine bulb

  • 1 × bulb
  • £4.99
  • Delivered by early February
  • 3 × bulbs
  • £13.00 £4.33 each
  • Delivered by early February
Delivery options
  • Bulbs (only) £4.99
  • Position: full sun
  • Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil, or general-purpose potting compost for containers
  • Rate of growth: average to fast
  • Flowering period: September to November
  • Hardiness: borderline hardy (may need winter protection)
  • Bulb size: 12+


One of the hardier forms, this beautiful nerine should survive outside all year round in sheltered gardens, provided the soil is not too heavy and wet.

Their ruffled, shell-pink flowers are a delight, and they appear very late in the season adding some much-needed colour.

In colder areas, Nerine bowdenii 'Ostara' best grown in a pot, so they can be overwintered in a cool greenhouse.


  • Garden care:
    Plant bulbs shallowly in well-drained soil, leaving the neck just above the surface, spacing 10-15cm (4-6in) apart. Choose a sunny, sheltered position where they won’t be shaded or crowded. They perform best in dense clumps, so avoid disturbing the roots once planted, and only lift and divide when the clump becomes overcrowded.

    Mulch lightly to conserve moisture but keep the necks clear, and water sparingly during the growing season—overwatering can rot the bulbs. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulbs for next year’s blooms.

    Protect the crown from hard frosts with a generous layer of dry mulch after flowering, or overwinter potted plants in an unheated greenhouse in colder regions.
    • Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten