Nerine bowdenii 'Isabel'

Selected cultivar of Nerine bowdenii W.Watson, a bulbous perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family, whose type species originates from the foothills of the Drakensberg in South Africa. Like the botanical form, 'Isabel' grows in full sun in well-drained soil, with the bulb planted at ground level or slightly emerged.

The erect flower stems, slightly tinged with red-brown at the base, rise to 30 to 50 cm. The umbels bear flowers of a bright magenta pink to deep fuchsia pink, with wide tepals, strongly undulated and crisped at the edges, traversed by a paler, almost whitish central vein, creating a very distinct radiating effect visible from afar. The prominent stamens, with pale pink filaments, further elongate the profile of each flower.

This contrast between the light central vein and the intense magenta background is one of the most distinctive features of this cultivar, which photographs in natural light capture particularly well.

In its natural habitat, the species blooms from March to May in the southern hemisphere. In cultivation under our latitudes, 'Isabel' blooms from October to November, with the stems appearing before or at the same time as the bright green linear leaves.

It requires a sunny and warm location, excellent drainage, and winter protection in regions with prolonged frosts. Established clumps bloom better when they are not divided too frequently.