Hippeastrum Estella

Amaryllis 'Estella' creates a sensation in terms of variety creation, as this Hippeastrum, suitable for indoor cultivation, has is a completely new pink shade, magenta pink close to purple. The shape of its flowers, elongated trumpets, is endowed with real elegance, accentuated by a bright white midline. A unique Amaryllis, stunning with a white hue, for magical winter bouquets.

Originally from the subtropical regions of Central and South America, Hippeastrum are frost-sensitive plants belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, generally cultivated in pots in our climates. In full bloom, the 'Estella' variety forms a clump 70 cm (28in) high and 30 cm (12in) wide. It offers 3 to 4 large funnel-shaped flowers, composed of 6 petals. Each thinned petal, which is an unusual shade of pink and a thick texture, is also traversed by veins of a deeper magenta pink and terminated by a small violet dot. The heart of the flower, green-yellow, releases a cluster of long, curved pink stamens. Each bulb produces one or two large, thick hollow stems. Positioned back-to-back, the flowers together form a unique composition. The leaves are deciduous, ribbon-like, and glossy dark green.

Planting an Amaryllis is a very rewarding experience. Hippeastrum is very easy to grow, and its growth is extremely rapid; 6 to 10 weeks after planting, the flowers are already blooming. You can enjoy them throughout the winter. To give it as a Christmas gift, remember to plant it at the beginning of November. The 'Estella' variety pairs well with the 'Amputo' Amaryllis, virginal and pure white, or with forced narcissi 'Paperwhite' or 'Erlicheer'. The little white bells of snowdrops can also adorn its base like stars. Preferably place it in the sun in front of a window, for example. Prune the stem when the flowers have faded to promote new flowers for the following year.

Did you know? The Latin name 'Amaryllis' was the subject of heated discussions among botanists: originally, this name actually referred to another plant, similar in appearance and native to South Africa: Amaryllis belladonna. When Carl von Linnaeus used this name to designate it but also to designate Hippeastrum (are you still following?), there was an outcry and the battle raged until 1987 when botanists decided: the Latin name Amaryllis is preserved for the African species Belladona but should no longer be used as the Latin name for Hippeastrum.