Hippeastrum White Garden

The Amaryllis White Garden is a recent variety of Hippeastrum, it produces multiple bulbs, each with several flowering stems topped with modest-sized flowers. The flowers are pure white, with a beautiful spring green throat, creating a superb bouquet. Amaryllis of this type are best displayed in a wide, low pot, placed in the house.

Originating from the subtropical regions of Central and South America, Hippeastrum are frost-sensitive plants belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, typically cultivated in pots in our climate.  When in full bloom, the 'White Garden' variety forms a 45 cm (18in) tall cluster. The funnel-shaped flower is composed of fairly wide petals that overlap at the base. They are a pure chalk-white, with a thick, iridescent texture. The flower's centre is green with a bright yellow halo, revealing a cluster of very long, curved stamens of the same tone. Each bulb will produce 4 to 7 thick, hollow flowering stems, each bearing an umbel of 2 to 4 flowers, 13 cm (5in) in diameter, positioned back to back. The overall effect is truly remarkable. The leaves are strap-shaped and glossy dark green. They yellow and dry out a few weeks after flowering, while the bulbs go into dormancy.

Planting an Amaryllis is a very rewarding experience. The 'White Garden' Hippeastrum is very easy to grow, with extremely rapid growth. 6 to 10 weeks after planting, the flowers will already be in bloom, providing enjoyment throughout the winter. If you plan to give it as a Christmas gift, remember to plant it at the beginning of November. This variety doesn't need companion plants to enhance its obvious beauty. You can plant a few simple snowdrop bulbs at its base, just to dress up its slightly upright flowering stems. Ideally, position it in full sun, for example in a window. Trim the stem when the flowers fade to encourage further flowering.

Amaryllis is actually a misnomer, 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 was retained for both. To distinguish them, the first is referred to as Hippeastrum and the second as Belladonna. 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 love that will only be returned to her after a terrible wound. From her blood will emerge magnificent bunches of red flowers.