Troubleshooting
Wavy Nerine problems — and how to fix them
Wavy Nerine (Nerine undulata) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Frost kill
Less hardy than N. bowdenii — protect with a dry mulch or move containers under glass before first frosts in all but the mildest UK gardens.
Failure to flower
Caused by watering during dormancy or too little sun. Ensure a thorough dry summer rest in full sun to bake the bulbs.
Botrytis on flowers
Can affect flowers in damp autumnal weather. Deadhead promptly and provide shelter or cloche protection to extend the display.
Bulb rot
Wet soil in winter is fatal to the bulbs. Containers should be brought indoors or placed under an overhang in prolonged wet, cold weather.
Overcrowding
Unlike some nerines that dislike disturbance, N. undulata benefits from division every 4–5 years in spring to maintain vigour and flower freely.
Prevent wavy nerine problems before they start
Most wavy nerine issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Wavy Nerine problems — FAQ
Why is my wavy nerine frost kill?
Less hardy than N. bowdenii — protect with a dry mulch or move containers under glass before first frosts in all but the mildest UK gardens.
Why is my wavy nerine failure to flower?
Caused by watering during dormancy or too little sun. Ensure a thorough dry summer rest in full sun to bake the bulbs.
Why is my wavy nerine botrytis on flowers?
Can affect flowers in damp autumnal weather. Deadhead promptly and provide shelter or cloche protection to extend the display.
Why is my wavy nerine bulb rot?
Wet soil in winter is fatal to the bulbs. Containers should be brought indoors or placed under an overhang in prolonged wet, cold weather.
Why is my wavy nerine overcrowding?
Unlike some nerines that dislike disturbance, N. undulata benefits from division every 4–5 years in spring to maintain vigour and flower freely.