Amaryllis belladonna
Differences
The real Belladonna Lily or Amaryllis belladonna does share some characteristics with the Hippeastrum:
Both have large bulbs – that produce lily-like flowers - on thick stems.
But you can tell them apart. Amaryllis flowers are smaller than Hippeastrum and the stems are solid while the Hippeastrum is hollow.
If you asked them, they would tell you that the "A" bulb’s home is in South Africa while the "H" bulb’s home is in South America. Both are southern plants and quite tender in the north.
Where to Grow
You can grow both outdoors in the heat of the summer but you’ll most often find the Belladonna lily grown as a straight house plant.
Plant Details
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
Light requirements: full sun is essential – it might grow in full hot afternoon sun with a little morning shade but don’t try afternoon sun or you won’t see a blossom.
Grow this plant in the warmest section of your garden.
How it Grows
The belladonna lily produces its leaves in the spring. But the leaves die down in early summer so you think the bulb is dead.
Relax!
Even in its native habitat this is what it does. After about two months of dormancy, a flower stem and buds will appear. The flowers are fragrant!
Stake This Plant
If you put this bulb outdoors, it is recommended that you stake the flowers and ensure the – those babies are so big that a wind will knock them over and you’ll be very disappointed to smash them.
Overwintering
In zone 9, you can cover the bulb crown with leaves or mulch and try to get this bulb through the dormancy outside.
In colder regions, take it indoors again. It will throw new leaves again in the early spring (indoors in a sunny windowsill) for several months before dying down and repeating the cycle.
Storing Bulbs
Store the bulb at around 13C to prevent the bulbs from drying out totally.
Landscape uses:
In a bed on the south side (warm areas) or in potted bulb containers on patios or south-facing apartment balconies
If you want to ask a question about Amaryllis belladonna, click here
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