What hardiness zones is Amaryllis belladonna suitable for?

Amaryllis belladonna is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Amaryllis belladonna?

Amaryllis belladonna requires Full Sun.

How much water does Amaryllis belladonna need?

Amaryllis belladonna has Low water needs.

Perennials

Amaryllis belladonna

Belladonna Lily

AmaryllidaceaeSouth Africa (Western Cape)

At a Glance

TypeBulb

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height18-30 inches (45-75 cm)

Width8-12 inches (20-30 cm)

Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (moderate)

Container Friendly

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Amaryllis belladonna is a bulbous perennial reaching 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) tall in bloom, growing from a large, pear-shaped bulb 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) in diameter. The common name 'Naked Lady' refers to the leafless flower stalks that emerge from bare ground in late summer. Strap-shaped basal leaves 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) long and 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) wide appear in fall or winter (after flowering), persist through spring, and die back by early summer. Flower stalks are stout, solid, 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) tall, bearing terminal umbels of 6–12 funnel-shaped flowers. Flowers are 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) long, pink (ranging from pale shell-pink to deep rose-pink), and fragrant with a sweet scent. Bloom occurs August through September. Plants are slow to establish and may not flower until 3–5 years after planting; bulbs that are disturbed by transplanting may require 2–3 additional years before blooming. Bulbs multiply slowly by offsets. Bulb rot develops in wet summer soils. The reversed growth cycle (leaves in winter, flowers in summer, dormancy in between) limits compatibility with perennials that share the same space. All parts contain lycorine and are toxic if ingested. This is the true Amaryllis, distinct from the commonly sold indoor 'amaryllis' which belongs to the genus Hippeastrum.

Native Range

Native to the Western Cape of South Africa, found on rocky slopes, road cuts, and disturbed ground in a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers. Grows at 300–3,000 feet (100–900 m) elevation.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted along south-facing walls, in dry borders, and in Mediterranean-style gardens at 8–12 inch (20–30 cm) spacing. The reversed growth cycle pairs well with summer-dormant companions. Container culture in 5-gallon (19 L) or larger pots extends the usable range into zone 6 with frost-free winter storage. Not suited to cold-winter climates without protection, irrigated summer beds, or mixed borders where the bare-ground dormancy period in early summer is not acceptable.

How to Identify

Identified by leafless flower stalks emerging from bare ground in late summer, bearing umbels of 6–12 pink, funnel-shaped flowers 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) long. Strap-shaped basal foliage appears months after bloom, in fall or winter. Distinguished from Hippeastrum (commonly sold as 'amaryllis' for indoor forcing) by summer outdoor bloom on a solid (not hollow) stalk, smaller flowers, and a Mediterranean growth cycle. Bulbs are pear-shaped, 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) in diameter.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'6"

Width/Spread8" - 1'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

SummerFall

Flowers August through September in zones 7–10. Flower stalks emerge rapidly, reaching full height within 1–2 weeks. Individual umbels last 2–3 weeks. In zone 10, bloom may begin in late July. Newly planted bulbs may not bloom for 3–5 years.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pink, from pale shell-pink to deep rose-pink

Foliage Description

Medium green, strap-shaped, basal

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sandloam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant bulbs with the neck at or just above the soil surface in a warm, sunny, south-facing site. Bulbs require dry summer dormancy (June–August) and tolerate winter rain. Do not irrigate during summer dormancy. Water during the winter–spring foliage period if rainfall is insufficient. Bulbs are slow to establish and resent disturbance; avoid transplanting established clumps. In zone 7, plant against a south-facing wall for thermal protection and apply 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of winter mulch. Narcissus bulb fly may attack bulbs in some regions. All parts are toxic.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stalks at the base after bloom in September. Allow strap-shaped winter/spring foliage to yellow and die back naturally in late spring (May–June); do not cut green leaves. No other pruning required.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans