Belladonna Lily
Amaryllis belladonna
Also known as
March Lily, Naked Lady, Amaryllis Lily, Maartlelie, Maartblom, Belladonnalelie (Afr.), Naked ladies, Jersey lily
Amaryllis belladonna 01 by Digigalos (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
9a
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Belladonna Lily
Belladonna Lily Overview
Amaryllis belladonna is a large bulb that produces clusters of scented trumpeted pink or white flowers. The flower rises about 50 cm from the ground and each stem can have multiple flowers (up to 12). Flowering in late summer. Their strap-like leaves are deciduous and emerge in winter. Naturally occurring in dense clusters, takes 3-6 years to flower from seed. Can tolerate quite arid conditions and requires very little attention. Bright light during the day, not adding nutrients to the soil and burning of dry leaves on top of bulb assist in flowering. Can tolerate watering in natural summer dormancy period. It is a decorative garden or pot plant. A lovely scented flower that can be used as a cut flower. ZA Distribution: Western Cape.
Common problems with Belladonna Lily
How to harvest Belladonna Lily
Harvest flower-stalks for flower arrangements in the autumn. Harvest seeds after seeds have reached maximum size.
How to propagate Belladonna Lily
Seed
Sow fresh mature seeds. Remove the fleshy seed coat. Sow in a deep seed tray with sandy soil to a depth of 1-2 cm, and space them 10-20 cm apart. Replant while dormant.
Division
Only divide large clumps and remove the offsets and replant the mother, as it tends to struggle and take a long time to come back to full health.
Special features of Belladonna Lily
Attracts useful insects
It attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Drought resistant
Ideal plant for rockeries as it requires very little water.
Pot plant
Great pot plant once planted with other perennial species such as Asters, Alstroemerias, Salvias, Echinacea and many more.
Attracts butterflies
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Belladonna Lily
Naturaliser, rock garden
Cut flower
Decorative garden or pot plant. A lovely scented flower that can be used as a cut flower.