Nerine (naked lady)

When most other plants finish their display, this beautiful South African bulb provides a wonderful autumn flowering treat. Plant the bulbs 5cm deep and 15cm apart in a sheltered sunny spot, preferably against a south-facing wall or hedge. They also make fine container plants but in that case the bulbs are best planted with their necks just below soil level.

Once planted, the bulbs should be left alone for they resent being lifted and moved. Winter hardy in England and Holland with the protection of a mulch of dry leaves or leaf mould. In colder regions (Central Germany, Scandinavia) bulbs are better grown in pots which should be given a cool, sunny place indoors over winter (and kept slightly moist) for the foliage to ripen.