Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis Belladonna) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 31st Jan 2024
- Plant Characteristics: Amaryllis belladonna is celebrated for its fragrant, trumpet-shaped pink flowers that appear on leafless stems, giving it the nickname "Naked Lady." Its strappy, green leaves develop after the blooming period.
- Growing & Care: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It's drought-tolerant once established. Plant the bulbs with the necks above the soil surface. Watering should be reduced after the leaves die back.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Suitable for beginners due to its low maintenance needs. It's perfect for borders or as a statement plant. Be mindful of its toxicity if ingested, making it unsuitable for gardens with pets or small children.
The Amaryllis belladonna plant is a native of South Africa, where it grows in rocky locations. It is also commonly called the Jersey Lily or Naked-Lady lily.
It gets this name because its flowers are carried on a (sometimes two) naked stem(s) that has no leaves.
Amaryllis belladonna photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking.
The stems of Belladonna Lily are long and erect, and usually bear two to twelve flowers.
Jersey lily photograph by DanielaFollow; CC.
These flowers are usually pink (but differently colored cultivars are available), and can reach about 4 inches (10 cm) in length.
Belladonna lily plants, photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.
Amaryllis belladonna flowers, image by yewchan; CC.
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Amaryllis belladonna Growing and Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Amaryllis belladonna.
- Common Name: Belladonna lily.
- Growing Zone: USA: 7 to 10.
- Life Cycle / Plant Type: Indoor Plant, Perennial.
Plant Details
- Plant Height (Inches): 12 to 24.
- Plant Spread (Inches): 1 to 3.
- Time of Bloom: Late summer and early autumn.
- Flower Details: Pink.
- Leaf Foliage: Green.
- Fruit: Seed capsules.
- Growth Form: Upright / erect.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Best Light Conditions: Partially shady to full sunlight.
- Rate of Growth: Average pace.
- Suitable Soil Types: Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Well drained.
- Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist (Medium Moisture is likely gives best results).
Caring Conditions
- Care: Water regularly during the growing season, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season if soil is poor.
- Level of Maintenance: Low.
- Plant Bulbs: Just below the surface of the soil. Have the neck at the same level of the surface.
- Propagation: Seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame when ripe or in the spring. Alternatively remove offsets in autumn.
- How to Prune: Not usually required.
- Pests: Bulbs damaged by large narcissus bulb fly. Lily borer. Aphids, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite may be a problem when grown under glass.
- Diseases: Usually pest free.
Further Information
- Can Attract: Pollinators, birds (feeding on insects)
- Tolerant of: Arid conditions.
- Best Garden Use: Border, Container, Foundation, Seashore.
- Family: Amaryllidaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Allium, Narcissus, Zephyranthes.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Amaryllis Belladonna. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Crinum, Amaryllis plants, and Sprekelia plants.
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