Amarine Belladiva Emmanuelle - Amarine x thunbergii

The Amarine 'belladiva Emmanuelle' is a hybrid bulbous plant of Nerine bowdenii and Amaryllis belladona that blooms from late summer to early autumn. Its large umbels are composed of light pink, star-shaped flowers with undulate petals. Initially developed for cut flowers, this moderately hardy variety can be grown quite easily in open ground or in a pot. Provide it with sun and very well-drained soil, even dry in summer.

The Amarine is a bulbous plant that can withstand short frosts of -10°C in well-drained soil. This hybrid belongs to the amaryllidaceae family, like its two parents. Its cultivation is no more difficult than that of the Amaryllis belladona. From a large ovoid bulb emerges in September a tuft of linear leaves, 1 to 2 cm wide, light green. This deciduous foliage in summer disappears between June and July depending on the climate. Flowering occurs from late August to October. The bulb produces green floral stems, 60 to 70 cm high. At their tips, they bear an umbel of flowers up to 25 cm in diameter. Each flower consists of 6 undulate and curved petals, arranged in a star shape. Their hue is a pastel pink, well highlighted by a thick and slightly translucent texture. Large pink stamens protrude from the heart of the flower, further accentuating its lightness. The flowers of the Amarine are lightly scented.

The Amarine 'Emmanuelle' is preferably grown in a large pot north of the Loire where its hardiness may be tested. Therefore, shelter it in winter, and place it on a sunny terrace in summer. It is a plant well suited to the Mediterranean climate, dry in summer, but also in winter. In open ground, it thrives in a warm exposure, near a wind-sheltered wall, in very well-drained soil. With its pink flowers, it pairs well with the Agapanthus with which it blends perfectly, being a plant that enjoys coastal locations. Also, combine it with grasses like Miscanthus 'Red Chief' and pink or white gauras. In a vase, its flowers will bring freshness and originality to the home.