Consulta Plantas

Care of the bulbous plant Amaryllis belladonna or Jersey lily

The genus Amaryllis, family Amaryllidaceae, comprises 4 species of bulbous plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Amaryllis belladonna, Amaryllis bagnoldii, Amaryllis paradisicola, Amaryllis condemaita.

Common names: Jersey lily, March lily, Belladonna-lily, Naked-lady-lily. This species is native to Cape Province in South Africa.

They are herbaceous perennial plants with thick bulbs that reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height. The fleshy leaves are deep green in color and linear in shape. The scented flowers can be white, pink, red or yellow in color and appear at the end of the stem in groups of 8. They bloom from summer to autumn.

These easily grown plants produce a very poisonous juice. They are used to create groups, in borders and as cut flowers. It can also be grown in pots.

Amaryllis belladonna needs full sun exposure. They resist the cold if the bulbs are protected with dry leaves or peat.

It's important that the soil drain very well (1/3 of coarse sand). Planting takes place in mid-spring at a depth of 25 cm (9.84").

Water moderately from planting the bulbs until the summer when watering is increased without overwatering.

Fertilize from summer to mid-autumn with mineral fertilizer every 20 days to promote flowering.

Over-watering can lead to fungal diseases (fungi).

They propagate by dividing the bulbs. This operation must be done every 5 years to achieve a good flowering.

Images of the bulbous plant Amaryllis belladonna or Jersey lily