Amaryllis Flowers

Amaryllis Flowers Meaning

Name : Amaryllis Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Amaryllis, (Amaryllis belladonna)
Amaryllis Description

Amaryllis is an extremely beautiful and exotic perennial flower belonging to the Amaryllidaceae Family. It is a monotypic genus, which means this genus consists of a single species. Amaryllis belladonna originates from South Africa, particularly the rocky southwest region near the Cape. Generally, Amaryllis varieties are widely distributed throughout the world, especially in flatlands of the tropics and subtropics.

Common names for Amaryllis include Belladonna Lily or Naked Ladies.

The Amaryllis flower is usually confused with Hippeastrum, another flowering bulb which is commonly sold in the winter for its ability to bloom indoors. Amaryllis flowers look tropical and exotic; majestic, lily-like trumpet blooms on tall, straight stems, with a base of strappy leaves.

Amaryllis flowers range from white to deep red and include some striking stripped and multicoloured varieties, usually combining shades of pink or red with white.

Amaryllis typically blooms in 7 weeks or longer. Most amaryllis varieties go dormant naturally and re-bloom sometime during winter. The flower stem of the Amaryllis is hollow, erect, 5-60 cm tall and 1-3 cm in diameter. The leaves of the Amaryllis are narrow, straplike and dark green in colour. The Amaryllis stem bears 2-5 large eye-catching blossoms at the apex, each flower 10-20 cm in diameter, with six brightly coloured tepals (three outer sepals, three inner petals, with similar appearance to each other).

Amaryllis can be planted from October until the end of April. Flowers appear from late December until the end of June.

Popular varieties include Apple Blossom (white and pink), Basuto (fire engine red), Beautiful Lady (peach), Bolero(deep fuschia rose), Lemon & Lime (pale yellow and pale green), Liberty (deep red), Milady (pink),Allure (white tipped with red), Double Record (salmon and white), Jewel (white), Red Peacock (red and white), Bianca (white), Calimero (red), Naughty Lady (red and white striped), and Scarlet Baby (dark red).

Amaryllis Meaning

Due to its colourful and showy nature, the Amaryllis belladonna flower symbolically represents Splendid Beauty or Pride. The enchanting Amaryllis also symbolizes Worth Beyond Beauty.

Amaryllis flowers are often given in recognition of a job well done – particularly in scholastics, writing, and artistic accomplishments.

Amaryllis Mythology

There is a very interesting myth as to how the Amaryllis came into existence. According to legend, the amaryllis began as a shy, timid nymph. Amaryllis fell deeply in love with Alteo, a shepherd with Hercules' strength and Apollo's beauty, but her affections were unreciprocated. Hoping that she could win his heart by bestowing upon him the thing he desired most - a flower so unique it had never existed in the world before - Amaryllis sought advice from the oracle of Delphi. As per the oracle’s instructions, Amaryllis dressed in maiden's white and appeared at Alteo's door for 30 nights, each time piercing her heart with a golden arrow. When at last Alteo opened his door, there before him was a striking crimson flower, born from the blood of Amaryllis's heart.

That is how the amaryllis has come to symbolize pride, determination and radiant beauty. In accordance with the legend, Amaryllis also symbolizes success won after a struggle.