Amaryllis
Hippeastrum
Family: Amaryllidaceae · Also called Hippeastrum, Barbados Lily, Knight's Star Lily, Omphalissa, Leopoldia, Carlotea
Green & Fresh · Winter bloomer
The amaryllis is winter's grandest gesture, enormous trumpet-shaped blooms up to 10 inches across, rising on thick, leafless stems from a bulb planted mere weeks before. The speed of growth is almost theatrical: a bulb placed in a pot in November can produce four or more massive blooms by Christmas, bringing tropical drama to the darkest season.
pride, determination, radiant beauty, strength
In the Victorian language of flowers, amaryllis means “Splendid beauty and worth beyond beauty”. In Greek mythology, Amaryllis was a shepherdess who pierced her heart with a golden arrow for 30 nights to win the love of Alteo, the flower sprouted from her blood. The amaryllis has become one of the most popular holiday gift plants worldwide, forced into winter bloom from South American bulbs.
Did You Know?
What we call 'amaryllis' is actually Hippeastrum, the true Amaryllis is a different South African genus. The name stuck despite being botanically wrong. A single bulb can produce multiple flowering stalks and will re-bloom for decades if properly cared for after the flowers fade.
Rocky hillsides and streambanks of Brazil, Peru, and Argentina
Amaryllis is native to South America. It naturally grows in rocky hillsides and streambanks of brazil, peru, and argentina.
Scent Profile
“A very faint, clean green scent, amaryllis is about visual spectacle: massive trumpet blooms in dramatic colors.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameHippeastrum
- FamilyAmaryllidaceae
- Native ToSouth America
- Bloom SeasonWinter
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
In Greek mythology, Amaryllis was a shepherdess who pierced her heart with a golden arrow for 30 nights to win the love of Alteo, the flower sprouted from her blood. The amaryllis has become one of the most popular holiday gift plants worldwide, forced into winter bloom from South American bulbs.