Amaryllis - bulbous flower and its varieties

Amaryllis (amaryllis) is a monocotyledonous plant of the Amaryllis family. It is a perennial representative of the flora, characterized by the presence of bulbs and umbellate inflorescences.

general characteristics

Previously, hippeastrum was ranked among the amaryllis. Now it represents a separate genus of bulbous plants. Hippeastrum is a flower with amaryllis-like leaves that appear before flowering; in amaryllis, they form during growth. They are absent during flowering.

Indoor amaryllis

Representatives of the amaryllidaceae family attract attention with large flowers that spread a rich aroma. They prefer to live in a temperate climate, they cannot stand the cold.

The amaryllis flower originated in South Africa and quickly spread around the world due to its attractiveness. It resembles a garden lily. The bright shades of petals and thin long leaves really look like the famous plant. Amaryllis is even called a room lily.

The bulb of the plant produces a long stem that is more than 40 centimeters high. An inflorescence is formed on it. The leaves are dark green, starting to grow from the root. Flowers are formed in several pieces, the number reaches 12. There are varieties that differ in petals, their width and shape. There are usually 6 of them, connecting, they form a funnel. Amaryllis flowers come in a variety of shades, ranging from white and pink to deep purple. Bred varieties with a large number of petals.

How many times a year amaryllis blooms depends on the conditions in the room. The plant loves:

• bright but diffused sunlight;
• moderate watering.

There is a legend explaining the appearance of the name. It contains a description of the life of a nymph named Amaryllis, who captivated the hearts of all men on earth. The God of Autumn fell in love with the girl, and in order to hide her from other men, he turned her into a beautiful flower. The cunning lover did not stop there, he endowed the plant with poison. Since then, the one who touched the beautiful flower died.

Main types

Amaryllis Belladonna (belladonna) is found in nature - this is a poisonous plant, the stem, leaves and flower are considered dangerous. It is endangered, listed in the Red Book, so there is practically no chance to find it. It has a small flower that differs in size from varieties bred for growing at home. The petals are light pink, their tips are sharpened and bent.

Belladonna

All amaryllis are usually divided into double and simple. The determining criterion for the name is the number of plant petals. If there are 6, then this is a common plant that resembles Belladonna amaryllis. Terry can have more than 18 petals. They, in turn, are divided into groups:

• semidouble - flowers contain from 9 to 11 petals;
• double - amaryllis with 12-17 petals;
• superdouble is a super-double plant with more than 18 petals.

Simple amaryllis

White amaryllis (Mont Blanc) is often used to create wedding bouquets. Delicate flower of pearl shade perfectly complements the image of the bride. Often the plant has a greenish center, which is especially noticeable when the bud is closed.

White-pink flowers distinguish the Apple Blossom. Grown in pots and for plant compositions, providing bright but diffused light.

Christmas Gift is another variety with snow-white flowers that appear 2-3 months after the bulb is planted. They are huge, over 20 centimeters in diameter. The heart of the flower is light yellow. In addition to the white shade, there are beige petals.

Christmas Gift

Amaryllis red looks very impressive. Bright petals have a light base. Sometimes they are bordered with white and yellow stripes, which makes the amaryllis more delicate.

The Clown variety is famous for its variegated colors. The petals are colored with pink-orange and white stripes, replacing each other. It can bloom several times per season, with proper care and proper feeding.

Amaryllis Rilona is usually planted in personal plots. The plant is characterized by:

• petals of an unusual pale orange color, almost salmon;
• the core has a red tint; bright orange strokes are easy to see near it.

The time from after planting the bulb to flowering is about two months.

Rilona

Bulbous flower amaryllis Minerva pleases the eye with bright flowering with the arrival of spring. The plant is not intended for open field planting. The flowers are bright red combined with white. A light shade extends from the center of the petal to its middle.

Amaryllis Ferrari flowers are bright, monochromatic. The rich orange-red hue makes the petals appear velvety. The plant blooms at any time of the year, the main thing is to create comfortable conditions for it. It grows quickly in sufficient sunlight.

Amaryllis flowers of the Grand Diva variety are striking in their beauty. They are distinguished by a dark core, the petals have a burgundy hue and a velvety surface. There are 6 of them in total, they are collected in a funnel. Flowers are recommended to grow:

• in indoor pots;
• in the open field.

Grand diva

Terry amaryllis

Terry representatives of the species are distinguished by voluminous colors. Amaryllis Double Dream has simply huge flowers, the diameter of which reaches 20 centimeters. When they fully open, they form dark pink balls resembling peonies. On the outside, the petals are painted in a lighter shade.

In total, there are from 20 to 30 pieces, arranged in rows, due to this, volume is created. The shape of the petals changes depending on the distance from the center. Prefers moderate watering and soil moisture.

The variety Aphrodite belongs to the super-terry representatives of the plant. The flowers are large - 15 to 25 centimeters in diameter. The color can be different: from white to dark cherry. The petals are delicate, thin, have a different shape, because of this, the flower seems airy.

The plant is grown at home, in pots or specially for flower arrangements. Aphrodite loves sunny color and does not tolerate drafts, does not tolerate cold, therefore it is not recommended to plant her in open ground.

Aphrodite

Amaryllis Marilyn is only potted and grown for cutting. Flowers have many petals and differ in various shades, can be white, orange, red, cherry. Light shades are more common. The plant requires replanting every 3-4 years.

Cherry nymphs are distinguished by their red flowers. The size reaches 25 centimeters in diameter. The peduncle itself grows in length up to half a meter.

Amaryllis at home

Amaryllis is suitable for growing at home.All existing types are adapted to a temperate climate, which can easily be created in an apartment.

In order for the plant to feel comfortable, it is necessary to provide:

• Constant access to sunlight, avoiding direct rays;
• Moderate watering during the hot season;
• Almost complete cessation of soil moisture during the wintering period;
• Top dressing during flowering and enhanced growth, its absence in the winter season, when at rest.

After the end of the period, feeding stops. The leaves begin to wither, and the plant goes to "winter". The bulb provides the necessary nutrients for further growth, so there is no need to cut off the remaining leaves.

In spring and summer, plant propagation is carried out:

• seeds;
• in a vegetative way, using the flower bulb.

All types of plants take root well at home, as they do not tolerate frost and drafts. There is much less variety with regard to garden amaryllis. Plants suitable for planting in open ground include varieties:

• Durban;
• The Snow Queen;
• Macarena;
• Grandior.

In winter, you need to organize a warm place for them, on the street the bulbs will die. Since amaryllis is a perennial, having endured cold temperatures at moderate temperatures, it will begin to bloom again in the spring.

Amaryllis growing in pots

Amaryllis not only pleases the eye of flower growers, being on a lighted windowsill. Decorators often use it to create their own unique compositions. The plant complements any bouquet. Therefore, an unpretentious flower is often grown in pots for cutting. For example, amaryllis Hercules is ideal for floristic masterpieces.

Fireplace-pink color of the petals will adorn the decorative composition. The flowers are large - up to 20 centimeters in diameter. White stripes are visible in the center of the petals. For the plant to bloom, you must wait 2 months after planting.

Hercules

Red Lyon variety will create a festive atmosphere in one look. Saturated dark red flowers like moderate watering and an average temperature, no higher than 20 degrees. Periodic feeding and the right conditions will prolong the flowering period of Lyons.

Amaryllis are houseplants, all types of them feel great in pots. The main thing is to choose the right size so that the roots are not cramped, but there is also not a lot of free space left. Otherwise, the water will stagnate, which will lead to rotting of the plant. A deep pot is recommended as the plant has strong roots.

It is better to put drainage on the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Three centimeters of small pebbles, chipped red brick is enough to provide comfort to the roots of the plant. Already on top, the soil used for the bulbous representatives of the flora is poured.

Amaryllis is a spectacular flower with a variety of shades and the number of petals in the buds. Terry and simple representatives of the species are able to decorate any bouquet. In properly created conditions at home, the plant will delight with flowering twice a year, without requiring careful maintenance.