Amaryllis

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Amaryllis is a genus of just two species from South Africa - A. belladonna and the phenomenally rare A. paradisicola, limited to Namaquland. The name Amaryllis has been much confused with Hippeastrum and countless years of arguement has species as much time. In short, the two African plants are Amaryllis and all of the S. American species are Hippeastrum. Garden hybrids of A. belladonna with Brunsvigia, Crinum and Nerine are all known.

For belladonna, choose a sunny, well-drained location. Dig a 30cm deep hole and enrich the soil with organic matter then replace 20cm of soil, plant 10-15cm apart, cover and leave. They perform best in dryish soils and resent disturbance - fuss them and they will not flower. Although dense clumps can be de-congested when essential. A. paradiscicola needs different conditions and is NOT a garden plant in any way.

Amaryllis belladonna has not been considered fully hardy throughout the UK, but they grow and flower outside, unprotected, here in Wrexham.

Available for ordering from Spring and Autumn lists.

Amaryllis belladonna

Large clusters of scented, trumpet-shaped pink or white flowers are borne naked, without the leaves, on 50cm stems in September and October.

There are up to 12 flared flowers, each of which is 10cm long and 8cm across the flared mouth. In the centre is a protruding bundle composed of a white style, whitish filaments and large curved black anthers which ripen to yield white pollen.

Although most flowers are pale pink both darker and paler forms occur.

Hardy in Wrexham and probably anywhere south of here, certainly happy against a south facing wall with a degree of benevolent neglect. Best in a very well-drained, fertile soil in a dryish site but not difficult.


Amaryllis belladonnaamabelbel	£6.50
Nice flowering sized bulbs, these are naturally quite large.

Amaryllis belladonna Durban

A clonal form selected many years ago, with large, deep pink flowers of superb texture and colour intensity, held in a multi-flowered head.

This has stood the test of time well and is an excellent contrast plant to the normal form. Few only.


Amaryllis belladonna Durbanamabeldur	£18.00
Large view