Belladonna Lily Amaryllis belladonna
ABOUT
The Amaryllis belladonna, commonly known as Naked Lady due to its bare flower stalks, is known for its striking beauty and distinct flowers. This plant features a bulbous base, which gives rise to long, strap-shaped, dull green leaves that emerge after the flowering period and persist for a time before fading. However, the most remarkable aspect of the Naked Lady is its flowers. The blossoms appear in clusters at the top of a bare stem—hence its nickname—which supports an umbel composed of fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers. Each bloom displays a soft to vivid pink hue, often flushed with a touch of white, and has six petals that spread outwards, creating an eye-catching display. The flower stalk itself is sturdy enough to support the weight of the multiple flowers atop it. The absence of leaves on the stalk when it blooms adds to the unusual and attractive look of the plant. The appearance of these bare stalks with the striking flowers gives the garden a dramatic visual pop, drawing attention during its blooming season. The Naked Lady's flowers are not only appealing to the human eye but also attract pollinators such as bees, adding to the dynamism of its environment.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Belladonna Lily, Naked Lady, Jersey Lily, Amarillo, March Lily.
Common names
Amaryllis belladonna, Amaryllis purpurata, Amaryllis pallida, Amaryllis rosea, Amaryllis fimbriata, Amaryllis toxicaria, Belladonna purpurata, Belladonna vulgaris, Brunsvigia rosea, Liliago purpurata, Liliago rosea, Coburgia belladonna, Coburgia fimbriata, Coburgia rosea.
ToxicityTo humans
Amaryllis belladonna, commonly known as Amaryllis, is toxic to humans. The plant contains alkaloids such as lycorine which, when ingested, can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory depression, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. It is advisable to seek medical attention immediately if any part of the plant, especially the bulb, is consumed, as the bulb contains the highest concentration of these toxic compounds.
To pets
Amaryllis belladonna, known as Amaryllis, poses a toxicity risk to pets. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the bulb, can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, ingestion can result in tremors or even seizures. Liver and kidney damage is also a potential concern if a large quantity is consumed. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if their animal ingests any part of an Amaryllis plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Amaryllis varieties, known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers, are popular as ornamental plants that add color and beauty to home gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for novice gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Indoor Gardening: Amaryllis can be grown indoors, making it a great option for adding a splash of color to indoor spaces, especially during the winter months.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant typically has a long blooming period that can last several weeks, providing extended enjoyment of its flowers.
- Gift Potential: Due to their attractive blooms and ease of care, they are often given as gifts, particularly during the holiday season when they are commonly forced to bloom.
- Bulb Propagation: The bulbs of the Amaryllis can be saved, divided, or shared, thus allowing gardeners to propagate new plants with ease.
- Suitable for Containers: They grow well in pots, which makes them excellent for patios, balconies, and other areas where garden space is limited.
- Seasonal Timing: Their typical flowering time in late winter to early spring brings vibrant colors to the garden at a time when few other plants are in bloom, offering a cheerful contrast to the dormant season.
- Attracts Pollinators: When planted outdoors, Amaryllis flowers can attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Durable Cut Flowers: The blooms are long-lasting even when cut, making Amaryllis an excellent choice for floral arrangements and bouquets.
Medical Properties- Analgesic properties: Amaryllis belladonna has been used traditionally for its possible analgesic effects.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant may exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, which has been utilized in folk medicine.
- Antimicrobial activity: Some studies suggest that Amaryllis belladonna could have antimicrobial properties, which might help in treating infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The bulb of the Amaryllis belladonna can be used as a substitute for starch in textile and paper industries due to its glucomannan content.
- The plant's toxic alkaloids have been explored as possible organic pesticides, targeting pests that damage crops.
- Amaryllis belladonna is sometimes used in landscape design as a means of erosion control, thanks to its robust root system.
- The flowers are used in the perfume industry for their fragrant essential oils, which are sought after for floral scents.
- In some communities, the crushed bulbs are used as a glue for fishing nets and other traditional crafts.
- Amaryllis belladonna has been used in the art of dye-making, where the pigments from the flowers provide a natural color source.
- The plant's sap can be used as an adhesive in small-scale crafting and bookbinding.
- The leaves can be processed into a fibre that is then used to make ropes and woven goods in some traditional practices.
- Gardeners have used the dried stalks of Amaryllis belladonna as natural trellises to support other climbing plants.
- The flower, when dried, is an ingredient in potpourri mixtures, lending its fragrance to enhance the blend.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Amaryllis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Amaryllis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Pride: The Amaryllis belladonna, with its tall stature and large blooms, is often seen as a symbol of pride due to its majestic and striking appearance.
- Beauty: As suggested by its genus name, which is derived from a shepherdess in Virgil's pastoral "Eclogues," the Amaryllis is often associated with splendid beauty.
- Strength:The robustness and resilience of the Amaryllis belladonna, which is able to thrive with minimal care, signifies strength and determination.
- Determination: This plant blooms most bountifully after a period of dormancy, symbolizing the reward of perseverance and hard work.
- Affection: Giving Amaryllis belladonna as a gift is believed to signify strong feelings of affection toward the recipient.
WaterThe Naked Lady should be watered deeply until the water runs through the drainage holes, usually with about 1 to 2 gallons, depending on the size of the pot or the area of the garden bed. They require watering every 7 to 10 days during the active growing season. However, it's essential to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Once the foliage dies back after flowering, reduce watering significantly and allow the soil to remain dry, as the bulbs enter a dormant period.
LightThe Naked Lady plant thrives in full sunlight, making it essential to place it in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is also tolerated but may result in fewer blooms. Preclude placing the plant in deep shade, as this will hinder its growth and flowering.
TemperatureThe Naked Lady prefers warm conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy but prefers a temperature range between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during its growth period. Extreme temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or below freezing can damage the plant if exposed for prolonged periods.
PruningPruning of the Naked Lady is minimal and generally involves removing spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to the bulb. It's advisable to prune in late fall when the foliage has yellowed and withered naturally. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis to remove any dead or damaged plant material.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Amaryllis (naked lady) is a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil fertility and structure. A mix containing equal parts of loam, sand, and peat is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and nutrient retention.
RepottingAmaryllis (naked lady) bulbs should be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when the bulb outgrows its pot. The best time to repot is after the leaves have died back and the plant is dormant, usually in the fall.
Humidity & MistingAmaryllis (naked lady) thrives in average room humidity. It does not require high humidity levels but can benefit from occasional misting if the indoor air is very dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place naked lady in bright light, avoid overwatering, and use well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant naked lady bulbs in well-drained soil, sun or part shade.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleAmaryllis belladonna, commonly known as naked lady, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is a dormant stage. Upon the advent of favorable conditions such as warm temperatures and sufficient water, the bulb sprouts a set of strap-shaped leaves that photosynthesize and gather energy; this vegetative stage typically occurs in winter or early spring. After the leaves die back, the energy gathered by the leaves fuels the growth of a tall flower stalk bearing an umbrella cluster of funnel-shaped fragrant pink flowers, usually in late summer or fall, marking the reproductive stage. Following pollination, possibly by bees, birds or the wind, the flowers produce a capsule containing seeds. These seeds may disperse and, if they land in a suitable environment, they can develop into new bulbs, continuing the cycle. Throughout the plant's life, the bulb may also produce offsets or "daughter bulbs," which will grow into genetically identical plants, thus contributing to the propagation and spread of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
Propogation: Amaryllis, commonly known as Amaryllis belladonna, is often propagated by separating offsets from the parent bulb, which is the most popular method of propagation. This is best done when the plant is dormant, typically in late summer or early fall. Offsets are the small bulbs that form at the base of a mature amaryllis bulb. Carefully unearth the bulbs and gently detach the offsets which are usually a couple of inches in diameter. These can then be planted directly into the soil at a depth roughly equal to their height, spaced about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to provide sufficient room for growth. Newly planted offsets typically flower in two to three years, as they need time to mature. It's important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and the bulbs are not waterlogged to promote healthy growth.
