Amaryllis Belladonna

Belladonna Amaryllis bulbs are easy to establish. You can pot them up indoors for a first bloom or plant them directly in the garden as soon as they arrive.

Unboxing

• Open right away. Remove the bulbs from the packaging and check that they are firm and dry.
• Store briefly if needed. Keep unplanted bulbs in a cool, dry, dark spot with good air flow for up to a couple of weeks.

Planting Outdoors

1. Pick a sunny spot. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
2. Loosen the soil. Dig and turn the top 10-12 inches, mixing in compost if your soil is heavy clay.
3. Set the depth. Plant bulbs 6-8 inches deep with the pointed neck facing up.
4. Space them out. Allow 9-12 inches between bulbs so clumps have room to expand.
5. Backfill and water. Firm the soil gently and water once to settle it in.

Planting in Containers

• Choose the right pot. Use a container with drainage holes, at least 8 inches deep.
• Use quality mix. Fill with a well-draining potting mix; avoid heavy garden soil.
• Leave the neck high. In pots, plant so the top third of the bulb sits above the soil line.
• Give it light. Place in a bright window or on a sunny patio, then move outdoors and plant in the ground the following fall.

Watering

• Water while growing. Keep the soil lightly moist during leaf growth and flowering, about once a week.
• Ease off after bloom. Reduce watering as the foliage yellows and the bulb heads into dormancy.
• Never let it sit wet. Soggy soil is the main cause of bulb rot, so always allow excess water to drain.

Feeding

• Feed in spring. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer as new growth appears.
• Support next year's bloom. A second light feeding after flowering helps the bulb store energy.

Seasonal Care

• Leave the leaves. Let foliage die back naturally; it recharges the bulb for next season.
• Mulch in cold zones. In zones 5-6, add 2-3 inches of mulch over the planting area for winter protection.
• Divide when crowded. Lift and separate clumps every 4-5 years once bloom count drops.

When will these amaryllis bulbs bloom?

Belladonna Amaryllis blooms in late summer to early fall, typically August through September. Bulbs planted outdoors upon arrival usually flower the following fall, while bulbs potted indoors can bloom their first season.

Can I grow Belladonna Amaryllis in a pot?

Yes. Plant in a well-draining container at least 8 inches deep with the top third of the bulb above the soil line. Container growing works well on patios and lets you start the bulbs indoors before moving them to the garden the following fall.

Is this the same as the holiday amaryllis?

No. Holiday amaryllis are typically Hippeastrum hybrids grown indoors as one-season gift plants. Amaryllis Belladonna is a hardy perennial bulb for zones 5-9 that returns and blooms outdoors each late summer.

Do the flowers really smell good?

Yes, the rosy pink blooms are fragrant with a sweet scent, which is part of what sets this variety apart from many other amaryllis.

How many bulbs come in an order?

Each order includes a 5 pack of premium dormant bulbs, enough to plant a cluster roughly 9-12 inches apart for a fuller display.

Are amaryllis bulbs toxic to pets?

Amaryllis bulbs and foliage contain compounds that can cause vomiting and other irritation if eaten by dogs or cats. Plant them where curious pets cannot dig, and contact your veterinarian if ingestion occurs.