Hippeastrum Misty - Amaryllis

Amaryllis 'Misty' stands out with its simple and almost discreet flowers, reminiscent of those of the wild amaryllis. They unfold into long flared trumpets, generously washed with pale pink and veined with deep pink on a white background, opening up to a generous green throat. They are slightly scented in this variety, both simple, elegant, and mysterious.

Originally from subtropical regions of Central and South America, Hippeastrum are frost-sensitive plants belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, generally cultivated in pots in our climates. In full bloom, the 'Misty' variety forms a clump 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) tall and 30 cm (12in) wide. It does not offer extravagant or gigantic flowers, but they have a unique personality and a sweet sugary scent. The petals, tapering at their tips, are washed with pale pink and heavily veined with deep pink. The heart of the flower is lime green, releasing a bouquet of long curved deep pink stamens. The 4 to 6 flowers, positioned back to back at the top of long hollow stems, together form a unique composition.

Planting an Amaryllis is a very rewarding experience. Hippeastrum is very easy to grow and its growth is extremely rapid; 6 to 10 weeks after planting, the flowers are already blooming. You can enjoy them throughout the winter. If you want to give it as a Christmas gift, consider planting it at the beginning of November. Preferably expose it to the sun in front of a window, for example. Trim the stem when the flowers fade to encourage floral regrowth.

If there is confusion between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum, it is because Linnaeus gave the same name to this species native to South America and to another species native to South Africa. Since then, it is conventionally appropriate to use the name Hippeastrum for American Amaryllis and Belladona for South African Amaryllis.