Amaryllis belladonna (Belladonna Lily)

Award-winning Amaryllis belladonna, often called the “Naked Lady,” is a beloved summer flowering bulb known for its striking blooms and curious growth cycle. Despite its relatively simple maintenance, it brings extraordinary beauty to any garden, especially when it bursts into bloom during the hottest time of the year.

Amaryllis belladonna – Belladonna Lily: An In-depth Look

Amaryllis belladonna, commonly known as Belladonna Lily or Naked Lady, is renowned for its elegant and fragrant flowers, which appear atop tall, leafless stems. Its flowers are typically a soft, pastel pink, although white and deeper pink varieties also exist. Each flower stalk can bear multiple blooms, creating a magnificent display. The plant gets its common name, “Naked Lady,” because the flowers appear after the foliage has withered away, leaving the blooms standing alone, seemingly without leaves. This perennial bulb is especially prized for its ability to bring color to gardens during the late summer when many other plants have faded.

Native:  Amaryllis belladonna is native to the Cape Province of South Africa. In its native habitat, it grows in sandy, well-drained soils and is accustomed to dry summers followed by wetter winters. It has been cultivated worldwide, especially in Mediterranean-type climates, where it has become a garden favorite. It belongs to the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae, which includes snowdrops and daffodils.

Plant Type and Habit: Amaryllis belladonna is a bulbous perennial. The plant grows from large bulbs that produce leaves in late winter or early spring. These leaves die back in early summer, leaving the bulb dormant until it sends up flower stalks in late summer or early fall. The tall flower stalks rise unaccompanied by foliage, creating its distinctive “naked” appearance.

Size: It typically grows 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and wide. 

Flowers: The flowers are its most striking feature. Rising on long purplish-red and green stems, the trumpet-shaped blooms are typically soft pink with hints of white, but deeper pink varieties are also available. Each flower stalk produces a cluster of 6 to 12 fragrant blooms measuring 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter. The flowers are notable for their sweet, delicate fragrance. Protruding from each flower is a long upturned style amongst a group of prominent curved anthers. The anthers are black and shiny at first but split open to reveal masses of white pollen. The fragrant blooms tend to face the direction that receives the most sun.

Bloom Time:  Amaryllis belladonna blooms in late summer to early fall, typically between August and September in the Northern Hemisphere.

Foliage:  The foliage of Amaryllis belladonna appears in late winter or early spring, consisting of long, narrow, strap-like leaves. Deep green leaves grow up to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) long. The foliage remains until early summer, when it withers and dies back, leaving the bulb dormant until it produces its flower stalks later in the season.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM) of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Hardiness: Amaryllis belladonna is hardy in USDA zones 7-10, where it can tolerate temperatures down to around 35°F (2°C) with proper mulching. In colder zones, the bulbs should be lifted and stored indoors over winter or grown in containers that can be moved indoors during freezing temperatures.

Uses: Amaryllis belladonna is a versatile plant that can be used in both residential and commercial landscapes. Some common uses include:

• Ornamental Planting: Its stunning blooms make it a popular choice for flower beds, borders, and mass plantings.
• Cut Flowers: The tall, elegant flower stalks make beautiful cut flowers, perfect for indoor arrangements.
• Rock Gardens: Its drought tolerance makes it an excellent addition to rock gardens or xeriscaping projects.
• Naturalizing: Amaryllis belladonna bulbs are ideal for naturalizing in Mediterranean or similar climates, where they can be left to spread and multiply over time.

Pollinators: Amaryllis belladonna’s fragrant flowers attract pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Toxicity: Like many members of the Amaryllidaceae family, Amaryllis belladonna contains lycorine, a toxic alkaloid found in the bulbs and leaves. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The plant is toxic to pets, livestock and humans, so it should be handled carefully, especially around children and animals.

Deer and Rabbits: Amaryllis belladonna is highly resistant to deer and rabbits, primarily because its bulbs and leaves are toxic.

Drought: Amaryllis belladonna is remarkably drought-tolerant, making it ideal for Mediterranean climates or areas with dry summers. Once established, the bulbs require little water and can survive prolonged periods of drought, relying on the water stored in their bulbs.

Invasiveness: Amaryllis belladonna is not considered invasive. It multiplies slowly over time through bulb offsets, but it is easy to control and does not spread aggressively.

Growing and Caring for Belladonna Lily

Planting: To be planted just below the soil surface, when dormant, about 8 inches apart (20 cm).

Light: Full sun is ideal, but Amaryllis belladonna can tolerate partial shade. Ensure at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal blooming.

Soil: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil is best. Amaryllis belladonna prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

Water: Water sparingly during the growing season. After the leaves die back, reduce watering. The bulbs prefer dry conditions during their dormancy.

Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) once in early spring and again after flowering to replenish the bulb’s energy.

Pruning: After flowering, remove spent blooms to prevent seed formation. Allow the foliage to die back naturally to help store energy in the bulb for future growth.

Propagation: Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame when ripe or in the spring. Alternatively, remove offsets in the fall.

Pests and Diseases: Amaryllis belladonna is relatively pest-free but may be affected by aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, or narcissus bulb fly.