Hippeastrum Nymph - Amaryllis

Hippeastrum 'Nymph' is a variety with voluptuous and fully double flowers, randomly and delicately striped with soft coral-pink on the white and iridescent background of their fleshy petals. With their round shape and duplication, they somewhat resemble peonies. These beautiful blooms bring spring into the house in the midst of winter. It is a bulbous plant that is very easy to grow. It will bloom in the house with a dazzling flowering that lasts several weeks.

Originating from subtropical regions of Central and South America, hippeastrum are frost-sensitive plants belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. They are generally grown in pots in our latitudes. In full bloom, the 'Nymph' variety forms a clump 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in height and 30cm (12in) in width. It produces double flowers, measuring up to 15cm (6in) in diameter, composed of numerous wide and round petals, with a thick and waxy texture. They are mostly white, adorned with tiny iridescent flakes and lightly brushed with light pink-red streaks. Positioned back-to-back at the top of long hollow stems, the flowers form a unique composition. As they do not all bloom at the same time, the flowering can last for more than a month.

Growing an amaryllis is a very rewarding experience. 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 at the beginning of November if you want to give it as a Christmas gift. Ideally, position it in the sun, in front of a window for example. Trim the stem when the flowers fade to promote floral regrowth.

If there is confusion between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum, it is because Linnaeus gave the same name to this species native to South America and to another species native to South Africa. Since then, by convention, it is appropriate to use the name Hippeastrum for the American Amaryllis and Belladonna for the South African Amaryllis. The truth is that both species deserve this appellation, which means "haughty beauty".