The Amaryllis: From Botanical Wonder to Winter Icon
Close up of a pink and white amaryllis flower. Image Credit: TeleMakro Fotografie (Ina Hensel)
By Heather Bolen
The amaryllis, known for its vivid blooms and graceful form, has captivated gardeners, artists, and flower lovers for centuries. Originally from South America, this stunning flower made its way to Europe in the 18th century, quickly becoming a favorite for its striking appearance. While it naturally blooms in spring, amaryllis bulbs can be coaxed to bloom indoors during the winter, making them a cherished addition to holiday décor. This remarkable flower carries a legacy rich with myth, art, and cultural symbolism that continues to inspire and brighten our homes.
The Amaryllis Origins: A South American Native
The amaryllis we know and love today predominantly refers to the genus Hippeastrum, a collection of around 90 species that hail from South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. These flowers thrive in the warm, tropical regions where they originally evolved, displaying bright colors that catch the eye even in lush, verdant landscapes. Unlike true amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna), which is native to South Africa, Hippeastrum species were first cultivated in Europe in the 18th century after explorers introduced them as exotic plants to the continent’s botanical enthusiasts.
Winter-Flowering Double Dutch Amaryllis, Aphrodite. Image credit: Harvesting History
Journey to Europe: A Plant for Botanists and Royals Alike
European plant collectors and botanists were fascinated by the amaryllis when it was first introduced in the 1700s. The genus Hippeastrum was identified in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, who named it from the Greek words "hippeus" (knight) and "astron" (star), meaning "knight's star," likely in reference to the flower’s bold, star-like form.
The amaryllis found a special place in Dutch botanical circles, where horticulturists refined their cultivation methods and experimented with hybridization. Dutch botanists and growers had already made a name for themselves with tulips and other exotic plants, so amaryllis was a natural addition. Throughout the 19th century, the Dutch were pioneers in cultivating the Amaryllis, developing brighter colors, larger flowers, and hardier bulbs that could bloom indoors in colder climates. Today, there are over 600 hybrids and cultivars in a diverse array of colors, patterns, and flower forms, including single, double, and miniature blooms.
Hippeastrum papilio. Image Credit: Jerry Richardson via Wikipedia Commons / CC-BY-2.0
Greek Mythology and the Language of Flowers
The amaryllis name has roots in classical mythology, symbolizing beauty and devotion. According to Greek legend, the flower is named after a shepherdess named Amaryllis, whose love for the handsome shepherd Alteo was so great that she pierced her heart with a golden arrow each day to prove her devotion. On the thirtieth day, a brilliant red flower bloomed from the blood she shed, symbolizing enduring love and beauty born of sacrifice. This myth gives amaryllis a special meaning in the language of flowers, where it symbolizes radiant beauty, strength, pride, and a love that conquers all.
This story contributed to the flower's symbolism in Victorian times, when the "language of flowers" was a popular way to express sentiments. Amaryllis arrangements became symbolic gifts for expressing beauty, admiration, and pride—perfect for celebrating personal achievements, romantic love, and even festive gatherings.
In the Victorian era, amaryllis enjoyed immense popularity as exotic plants became all the rage. With conservatories and greenhouses in affluent homes, especially in England, the amaryllis thrived indoors, captivating gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. Victorian women, in particular, embraced indoor gardening as a refined hobby, cultivating amaryllis as a symbol of both beauty and horticultural skill.
In the conservatory, 19th century, James Tissot, Private Collection
Amaryllis in Art: Botanical Illustrations and Beyond
Amaryllis quickly became a favorite among artists and botanical illustrators captivated by its symmetrical shape, bold colors, and the intricate details of its petals. Botanical illustrators in the 18th and 19th centuries produced stunning, scientifically accurate illustrations of amaryllis that are still admired for their beauty and precision. In these drawings, the amaryllis appeared as an exotic, almost mysterious flower, evoking the far-off landscapes from which it came.
Its dramatic form has continued to inspire artists into the modern era, appearing in everything from home décor to holiday cards. Today, the amaryllis symbolizes beauty and the enduring spirit of botanical art and its role in bridging the worlds of science and beauty.
Amaryllis, Plate 3, Choix, Pierre Joseph Redouté. First published in 1827 and subsequently in 1835, Redouté’s Choix des plus belles fleurs et des plus beaux fruits, or Choice of the most beautiful flowers and most beautiful fruits, contains 144 plates depicting the most attractive botanicals he had encountered throughout his long-lasting career as a royal flower painter. Many of the plants were rendered from fruits and flowers cultivated within the French imperial gardens and other notable botanical collections.
Winter Blooms and Holiday Tradition
Today, amaryllis has become a beloved holiday flower, especially in North America and Europe, where the bulbs are forced to bloom indoors during the winter. The practice of forcing bulbs to flower—by tricking them into bloom by simulating their natural growing cycle—became particularly popular in Victorian England, where winter gardens showcased amaryllis as a seasonal wonder. During the darkest months, amaryllis brought vibrant color and life to indoor settings, becoming a central part of winter décor.
To this day, amaryllis bulbs are sold worldwide as a popular holiday plant. They make ideal gifts for winter celebrations because they bloom for weeks and bring cheer into homes during the colder months. Their resilience and ability to bloom in the off-season make amaryllis a symbol of hope, renewal, and life—a fitting reminder during winter’s quiet, dormant period.
Photo by Hans Leuzinger on Unsplash
Amaryllis Care: Cultivating Beauty at Home
The process is simple and rewarding for anyone wishing to bring the charm of amaryllis into their home. These blooms will flourish with a little warmth, water, and patience, adding a tropical burst of color indoors. Here’s a quick care guide for cultivating amaryllis at home:
Choose a pot: Amaryllis bulbs need a pot that is slightly larger than the bulb itself and has good drainage.
Plant the bulb: Leave the top third of the bulb exposed, with the roots pointing down.
Water and wait: Place the pot in a warm, bright location, and water sparingly until the stem appears; once it begins to grow, water regularly.
Enjoy the bloom: Your amaryllis should flower in 6-10 weeks. Each bulb can produce multiple stems with large, showy blooms.
Reblooming: After the flowers fade, allow the leaves to continue to grow and feed the bulb. Store the bulb in a cool, dry place, then bring it out next winter to enjoy the blooms all over again.
The amaryllis offers more than striking blooms; its history and cultural significance add depth to its seasonal popularity. Whether flowering indoors in winter or in a garden in spring, the amaryllis continues to be admired for its timeless beauty and resilience. From South America to holiday traditions worldwide, this remarkable flower remains a lasting symbol of nature’s elegance.
