The Differences between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum (amaryllis)

This guide is here to clear things up and spill the dirt (pun intended) on the differences between the two genera - Amaryllis and Hippeastrum (amaryllis). From decoding their many names to mastering their care, we’ve got you covered. Join us for some tips, tricks, and a bit of fun in our latest blog, The Differences between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum (amaryllis).

What does amaryllis symbolise?

The word amaryllis is derived from the Latin amarysso which means ‘to sparkle’.

Are amaryllis indigenous to South Africa?

Amaryllis belladonna, along with Amaryllis paradisicola are indigenous to the Western Cape in South Africa. Hippeastrum(amaryllis) on the other hand is not, but makes a sparkling addition to the spring, summer and autumn landscape.

What does Hippeastrum  mean?

The word Hippeastrum is derived from the Greek hippe meaning horse and aster meaning star. The name was intended to mean Knight’s Star.

Are amaryllis plants poisonous?

Amaryllis plants are toxic, and should not be consumed. Take care when exposed to children and pets. 

All about Amaryllis 

Now let’s kick things off in alphabetical order, with Amaryllis belladonna.This local lovely is also known as the naked lady, a name coined due to the flowers appearing before the foliage.

When she’s not going by her risqué name, she goes by the ‘ordentlik’ name of March lily (which is around the time she flowers). The natural habitat of A. belladonna is usually in small dense groups amongst rocks, so if you have a rockery, that’s the perfect place for them. These bulbs are equally at home in the garden or in pots filled with a very porous potting mix. They’re also pretty tolerant of arid conditions, but do keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t dry out in the summer months. As they’re from a winter rainfall area, they will need watering during their winter growing season.

How to grow  Amaryllis belladonna 

A. belladonna should be planted with their necks at soil level, not submerged under the soil.

You’ll get your best results growing the bulbs in full sun, in moist, well-draining soil, although they will tolerate some light shade. Plant them out about 10cm apart so they don’t get lonely!

Wherever you’re planting them, make sure that the soil doesn’t get waterlogged. In a frost prone area, or areas that regularly hit below 2°C, plant them in front of a south facing wall, or in a pot that is placed in a sheltered area. They should remain in the soil for many years, so should not be lifted or moved after flowering. If you do need to transplant them, do it in autumn after the plant has finished flowering and just as the leaves start emerging. After flowering, feed them weekly with Hadeco Bulb Food or a similar fertiliser, continuing until they enter dormancy.

A. paradisicola on the other hand blooms naturally in the wild, and is not available for purchase. 

All about  Hippeastrum  (amaryllis) 

Hippeastrum species were formerly classified as Amaryllis, however in 1987, the debate on the scientific name of the genus was settled! Here's the kicker though: the common name "amaryllis" is still hanging around, like that one friend who insists on calling you by your nickname even though you’ve outgrown it. The bulbs sold as amaryllis, ready to bloom for the holidays? Yep, they actually belong to the genus Hippeastrum. So, while you’re decorating your table with your "amaryllis," know that it’s technically a Hippeastrum in disguise. Within the genus there are about 86 species originating from central and South America.

How to grow  Hippeastrum  (amaryllis) 

Growing Hippeastrum hybrids are a breeze because they adapt well to a range of soils, from heavy loam to light sand. So, when we say they are easy to grow, we genuinely mean it's a piece of cake! Plant them anytime between September to January. If you opt for garden beds, loosen the soil to about 30cm before planting. The flowers are so impressive that even a single bulb in a pot creates a striking statement. Plant the bulbs with their necks above the soil and, if you wish to do a mass planting, space each bulb about 10cm apart. To stimulate root development, provide a generous watering after planting. After this initial watering, allow the roots to settle for ten days. Once this waiting period is over, water every two to three days in pots (remember to empty the saucer 30 minutes after watering) and every three to four days when they're in the garden.

After flowering care

After they have flowered, feed them weekly with Hadeco Bulb Food until they enter dormancy. Once dormant, they can remain in the soil, or be lifted and stored and planted the next spring. If you opt to store them, place them in brown paper bags with ventilation holes and keep them in a dark and cool cupboard.

How to plant  Hippeastrum papilio  (butterfly amaryllis)

Butterfly amaryllis also known as Hippeastrum papilio hails from the colourful land of Carnival - Brazil. As with all Hippeastrum, these fluttering beauties like to be planted with their ‘head and shoulders’ (or the top third of the bulb) above soil level in well-draining soil. If you’re looking to plant them in the perfect spot, opt for morning sun and afternoon shade and give them room to multiply. If you’re growing them indoors, ensure that they get bright light, and not direct sunlight. Just remember to rotate them a couple of times a week so that the emerging stems don’t lean like the Tower of Pisa. If you do opt for the pot, make sure your bulbs have enough space to multiply so they can stay put for many years. The best time to plant is in February.

How to care for butterfly amaryllis

Here in South Africa, these beauties will bloom in spring, although some have been known to flower twice a year. The butterfly amaryllis will often produce several shorter stems. As the flowers don’t bloom simultaneously, the overall flowering period can last quite a long time and we’re not complaining. They have large and strong foliage, which adds to their lasting beauty.

Water regularly when the surface of the soil is dry, but take care not to overwater. A good rule of thumb is three times every two weeks all year round. Give them a dose of Hadeco Bulb Food or similar when flower stems appear, and another fix after flowering is finished. This is to ensure that they have enough energy and nutrients to produce next year’s crop of blooms and to bulk up for when they get their ‘beauty sleep’. It’s more like a catnap as they rest from mid-December to mid-January only. If you do need to lift them, you can do so in January.

Papilio is not generally prone to diseases, but do keep your eyes open for their archenemies, slugs and snails, and particularly for the lily borer which will decimate your bulb in no time at all. You can use an organic caterpillar insecticide, but in such cases it is best to get up close and personal a couple of times a week and remove the caterpillars by force. In this case, violence is acceptable.

There you have it—a comprehensive guide to cultivating Hadeco's Amaryllisand Hippeastrumbulbs, from planting to nurturing them with care.

Wishing you a garden that sparkles with the vibrant beauty of a diverse array of amaryllis!

Happy gardening!