Amaryllis belladonna Alba

The Amaryllis belladonna Alba is a white form of the Belladonna Lily that is quite rare in cultivation and much less common in nature than the pink form. This bulbous plant, native to the South African plains, is well adapted to Mediterranean gardens where it finds its preferred climate. Its white and fragrant flowers, resembling lilies, appear in late summer on sturdy stems. The ribbon-like foliage, reminiscent of agapanthus leaves, emerges in autumn and disappears in late spring, before the arrival of summer drought. In the garden, this amaryllis is planted in borders or sunny beds. In very cold or very wet regions in summer, cultivation in pots is essential.

The Amaryllis Belladonna, also known as Brunsvigia rosea or Belladonna Lily, is native to the meadows of the Cape region in South Africa. This is a region where summers are dry and winters are mild and rainy. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae or Liliaceae family, depending on the classification. Depending on the sources and the soil moisture in winter, its bulb can withstand brief freezes of about -12°C (10.4°F). The only difference with 'Alba' is the white flowers. This plant has a large bottle-shaped brown bulb that serves as a storage organ during the summer rest period. Flowering occurs before the foliage appears, usually in late August. From the ground emerge cylindrical, dark flower stalks, measuring 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28in) in height. Each stalk bears 4 to 6, or even 8, fragrant flowers measuring 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in diameter. They are composed of 6 thick, fleshy tepals. Their colour is pure white to ivory white, with a yellow heart, releasing a bouquet of long golden-yellow stamens. Positioned back to back and tightly packed together, they form a unique composition. In late September to October, the foliage emerges from the ground. It forms a clump about 30-40 cm (12-16in) in all directions, composed of long, narrow, gracefully trailing, glossy green leaves. The leaves of amaryllis dry up and disappear when the plant goes into its rest period, between May and June. At this time of year, dry soil is beneficial for the bulb's health and its flowering the following year. Over time, the bulb produces small bulbils, allowing the plant to form colonies. All parts of the amaryllis are toxic if ingested.

The Amaryllis belladonna Alba does not need companions to display its obvious beauty. It can be planted among small bushes or perennials that will hide its absence in summer: dwarf asters, bloody cranesbills, and cotton lavenders can also dress up its slightly stiff stems at the end of summer. Preferably expose it to the sun, not too far from the house to fully enjoy its beauty and subtle fragrance. The Belladonna Lily thrives only in the ground in regions with mild winters and dry to very dry summers. Elsewhere, it should be kept in a nice pot to protect it from excessive humidity in summer, as well as from severe frost in winter.

Did you know: The Amaryllis Belladonna should not be confused with Hippeastrums, which are also called Amaryllis due to a language misuse 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 the South African species. Conventionally, the name Amaryllis was retained for both. To distinguish them, the mention Hippeastrum was added to the first, and Belladonna to 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, which will only be granted to her after a terrible wound. From her blood will emerge splendid bunches of red flowers. Since then, the term has become synonymous with lofty beauty.