
Amaryllis belladonna.
Amaryllis belladonna foliage.
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Botanical
Family AMARYLLIDACEAE
Genus AMARYLLIS
Species Amaryllis belladonna
Place of Origin South Africa (Cape of Good Hope region)
Height 80cm/2.5ft
Flower Colour Pink
Flowering Season Late Summer and Autumn (Fall)
Zones 8-11
Common Names Belladonna Lily, Naked LadyBulb
Amaryllis can begin flowering in late summer but they are generally
considered to be autumn (fall) flowering bulbs. The large trumpet-shaped flowers range in
colour from light to dark pink and are sweetly perfumed, although the fragrance may be
overpowering to some. The thick, fleshy, strap-like leaves die down before the flowers
appear and reappear a couple of months after the blooms have finished. The tall (60cm/2ft)
strong burgundy flower stalks appear from the bare ground, each topped with 6 or more
flowers per stem. Older bulbs can have as many as 28 individual blooms on a single flower
stalk.
Amaryllis bulbs are best planted at the end of
their flowering period. They prefer well-drained soil with a sunny to lightly shaded
aspect. Position the large bulbs (up to 15cm/6in across) in deeply dug soil with their
necks at soil level. To show the flowers to their best advantage, plant them in groups
allowing 30cm/1ft between each bulb. Each bulb eventually forms a dense clump of foliage.
The bulbs can be left undisturbed for several years until they become overcrowded and the
blooms second-rate.
Amaryllis are high drought tolerant plants. |