Hippeastrum Neon - Amaryllis

The Amaryllis 'Neon', as its name suggests, is a Hippeastrum that stands out from afar! The funnel-shaped flowers are an incredible fluorescent pink, irregularly streaked with white around a greenish heart. Very floriferous, each bulb generally produces 2 flower stalks, each carrying between 4 and 6 flowers, forming a generous and brightly coloured bouquet. This superb variety is also very easy to grow and flower at home.

Originally from the subtropical regions of Central and South America, Hippeastrum are frost-sensitive plants belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, generally grown in pots in our latitudes. In full bloom, the 'Neon' variety forms a tuft 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) high and 30 cm (12in) wide. It offers 4 to 6 funnel-shaped flowers, composed of 6 petals. Each lanceolate petal is thick and iridescent. The green-yellow heart of the flower releases a bouquet of long, curved pink stamens. Each bulb produces two thick hollow stalks. Positioned back-to-back, the flowers together form a unique composition. The leaves are deciduous, ribbon-like, and shiny dark green.

Planting an Amaryllis is a very rewarding task. The Hippeastrum is very easy to grow and its growth is extremely fast; 6 to 10 weeks after planting, the flowers bloom. You can enjoy them throughout the winter. To give it as a Christmas gift, consider planting it at the beginning of November. The 'Neon' variety pairs well with the Amaryllis 'Amputo', virginal and pure white, 'Double Nymph', white streaked with coral red, or with the daffodils 'Paperwhite' or 'Erlicheer' that have been carefully forced in a warm place. The white bells of snowdrops can also adorn its base like stars. Preferably expose it to the sun in front of a window, for example.

Speaking of Amaryllis is actually 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, this one from South Africa. Conventionally, the designation 'Amaryllis' has been retained for both. And to distinguish them, the mention 'Hippeastrum' is added for the first and 'Belladonna' for the second. It must be said that both deserve this name: 'Amaryllis' means "sparkling" and, in classical Greek literature, the plant was the subject of a pastoral poem where the beautiful shepherdess 'Amaryllis' dies of unrequited love that will only be granted to her after a terrible wound. From her blood will emerge beautiful bunches of red flowers. Since then, the term has been synonymous with haughty beauty.