Hippeastrum Amputo - Amaryllis

Hippeastrum 'Amputo' is a relatively hardy variety, resembling a Madonna lily. Its pleasantly scented flowers are unlike any other, and are infinitely more exotic. They are simple, of modest size, in the shape of trumpets of a virginal white revealing a throat infused with green. It can be planted in the garden, in a mild climate, where it will flower in spring or summer. It can also flourish in the house in winter, in a pot and in bouquets.

Originally from the subtropical regions of Central and South America, hippeastrum are frost-tender plants belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. They are generally grown in pots in our latitudes. The 'Amputo' variety is a Dutch horticultural creation, dating back to 1999. It is relatively hardy for the genus and can withstand frosts of around -6°C (21.2°F) in well-drained soil and under a thick protective mulch. In full bloom, the plant forms a tuft 40cm (16in) tall and 30cm (12in) wide. It does not bear huge flowers, but they have a unique charm, resembling plants from exotic lands. The white flower, whose shape closely resembles that of trumpet lilies, is composed of 6 undulate-edged petals. The heart is yellow-green, releasing a bouquet of long, curved white stamens with yellow anthers. The scent is subtle, sweet, and sugary, very different from that of lilies. 4 to 6 flowers overhang a tall and sturdy hollow stem. Positioned back-to-back, they form a unique composition. The dark green and shiny leaves are deciduous and ribbon-like.

Hippeastrum is very easy to grow and its growth is extremely rapid. The flowers bloom 6 to 10 weeks after planting. You can enjoy them throughout winter. Plant it in a pot at the beginning of November if you want to give it as a Christmas gift. However, seeing them bloom in the ground is almost a miracle. In climates with mild winters, the 'Amputo' variety can be planted in the garden and will flower year after year. Provide it with good winter protection. Indoors, place it in the sun, in front of a window for example. Plant it in a sheltered position in the garden. Prune the stem when the flowers fade to promote floral regrowth.

The use of the word "amaryllis" is a misuse of language, directly related to an error made in the 18th century. It was Linnaeus himself who used it to name the American species. However, the name was already used for another beautiful flower from South Africa. Conventionally, the name amaryllis was kept for both. To distinguish them, the word "Hippeastrum" was added for the first one and "Belladona" for the second. It must be said that both deserve this name: amaryllis "tall beauty".