Amaryllis belladonna
Jersey lily
A bulbous perennial with erect stems, each bearing an umbel of funnel-shaped, fragrant pink flowers to 10cm in length, which open in autumn before the narrowly strap-shaped leaves appear
Other common names
belladonna lily
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Amaryllis is a bulbous perennial with showy, funnel-shaped flowers on naked stems in autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (W Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant bulbs only just below the soil surface, when dormant, in moderately fertile, light, free-draining soil; extra grit can be added to improve drainage. Will do best when baked in full sun and with shelter from harsh frosts
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame when ripe or in the spring. Alternatively remove offsets in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to bulbs damage by large narcissus bulb fly. May also be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite when grown under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.