- Botanical Name
- Amaryllis belladonna. Giant: Amarygia parkeri.
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Plant Type
- Bulb
- Size (HxW)
- 30-75cm x 20-40cm. 30-110cm x 20-40cm.
- Depth & Spacing
- Plant with the neck of the bulb at or just above the soil surface and space about 20-40cm apart, depending on your desired effect. In pots they can be placed so they are almost touching.
- Soil
- Well drained, humus rich soil is best but they are not too fussy.
- Aspect
- Full sun for the best flowers, but they will take some shade.
- Climate
- Cool to Sub Tropical
- Frost
- Fully hardy
- Water
- Water to establish, then only if rainfall is low. They like a dry summer.
- Fertiliser
- When the foliage appears during winter, add some fertiliser at this time and then it should be left to yellow and die off naturally. You can use a well rotted manure and potash. Or a general purpose complete fertiliser. They are tough though and will forgive you if you forget.
- Flowering Time
- Late summer to autumn
- After Flower Care
- Blooms can be picked or allowed to die back naturally, then remove the seed head so that the plant growth is concentrated on the bulb rather than seed production.
- Notes
- Lift, divide and replant as the bulbs become overcrowded (4-5yrs) - you will know if they are overcrowded as flowering will decline. If you do this in dormancy they can be replanted immediately or, if needed you can store them in a cool, dry position for replanting spring to autumn. Treat bulbs carefully when lifting and planting, as they have a tender ‘skin’. After they have been replanted, the bulbs may take a season to flower at their best as they do not like to be disturbed.
