Origin: South Africa
Flower colour: bright pink
Flowering period: August-September
Average plant height: 60-90 cm
Planting depth to base of bulbs: neck of the bulb just above the soil
Spacing between bulbs: 20 cm
Type of bulb: bulb
Light requirements: full sun is essential (PM sun)
Landscape uses: in a bed on the south side (warm areas)
Many amaryllis bulbs sold in autumn are (botanically speaking) hippeastrum bulbs. Both have large bulbs which produce a few lily-like flowers on thick stems.
Differences
- Amaryllis flowers are smaller; the stem is not hollow like Hippeastrum stems
- Amaryllis originates from South Africa while Hippeastrum originates from South America
- Amaryllis flowers appear after the foliage has died down.
- Amaryllis can be grown outside while Hippeastrum very often is used as an indoor plant.
- Amaryllis belladonna produces leaves in spring. The leaves die down in early summer. After about two months the flower stems and buds appear. It is advisable to put sticks next to the stems before the wind damages the flowers. The flowers are fragrant. In zones where the winters are not to harsh, you can cover the crown with peat or leaves. Then it will flower better the next year. In other areas it is advised to mulch and leave in the ground. In very cold climates, the bulbs can be stored at about 13°C, to prevent the bulbs from drying out.
