Amarine Belladiva Tomoko - Amarine x tubergenii

The Amarine Belladiva 'Tomoko' is a hybrid Nerine resulting from the cross-breeding of Nerine bowdenii and Amaryllis belladonna. This cultivar is distinguished by its deep, vivid, and vibrant pink flowers, carried by dark floral stems that beautifully showcase them. Its large star-shaped flowers, gathered in hemispherical umbels at the top of sturdy stems, resemble the Amaryllis, while the delicately undulating petals evoke the Nerine. Its light green ribbon-like deciduous foliage accompanies the flowering. Moderately hardy, this plant prefers a sunny exposure, sheltered from the wind, in a very well-draining soil, even dry in summer. Still relatively unknown, it is equally charming in a border as in a large pot on a patio.

Like its parents, the Amarine is a hardy bulbous plant up to -12°C in well-drained soil, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It was obtained through hybridisation in the 1950s. This original plant, which honours its two parents by combining their qualities, has remained quite rare until today. Its cultivation is no more difficult than that of the Amaryllis belladona. From a large ovoid bulb emerges in September a tuft of linear, light green leaves, 1 to 2 cm wide, which disappear in July-August. Green herbaceous stems, 60 to 75 cm tall, appear in September, bearing at their tips a crown of flowers with 6 undulating and recurved petals, arranged in a star shape. The flowers have a thick and slightly translucent texture. Large stamens protrude from the heart of the flower, further accentuating its lightness. The rather long flowering period extends until October. The Amarine Belladiva 'Tomoko', also known as x Amarine tubergenii 'Tomoko', features dark stems of the most beautiful effect, which appear, depending on the light, from grey to deep violet.

This exceptional, particularly decorative plant thrives ideally in a large pot in cooler regions where its hardiness can be put to the test. In winter, it is preferable to shelter it to protect it from the cold, while in summer, it finds its place on a sunny patio. In the ground, choose a warm exposure, sheltered from the wind, like near a wall, with a very well-draining soil, similar to the growing conditions suitable for an agapanthus. It fits perfectly in a seaside setting, in an English cottage garden or in an urban garden, and becomes a remarkable focal point in an exotic or contemporary layout. Used as cut flowers, it brings freshness and originality indoors, enhancing a vase with its delicate hues.