NERINE MASONIORUM

Incorrectly spelled as Masonorum.  This little nerine reminds me more of a Rain Lily (Zephyranthes) than a standard Nerine.  It is summer growing and looses its narrow grass-like leaves due to cold temperatures each winter in its native Transkei.  It can grow as an evergreen if kept from frost.  I am not sure yet how cold hardy it is, but I expect it to survive a normal zone 8 winter.  So long as the bulbs themselves don’t freeze, it could survive in areas colder still.  Since it is ideally suited for containters, I would take it inside for safety and wait until you have extras before risking any.  Soil must be well drained.

 This species has a very limited range (Eastern Cape, South Africa) and is endangered in its native habitat.  It self polinates and sets seed.  Full size bulbs are very small, maybe only 1 cm across.  It blooms profusely in late summer, 6-8 inches high on hairy stems.