ATTENTION: These bulbs only perform well in California! Do not try to grow them in any other state!
The Amaryllis belladonna, often called the belladonna lily or "naked lady," is a lovely, drought-resistant amaryllis native to South Africa. It loves the dry summers and mild, wet winters of California, where it can come back for decades with almost no care. The blooms appear on bare stems after the foliage has died back, which gives them their famous nickname.
Blooms: Naked stalks about 2-3 feet tall are topped off by 6-12 pink, trumpet-shaped blooms in late summer through fall. The blooms emit a nice pink-sweet fragrance, and the stalks make excellent cut flowers. This bulb usually takes 2 years after planting before presenting blooms, so be patient with it.
Planting: Plant the bulbs in full sun in well-drained soil. Set each bulb with its neck at or just above the soil surface; planting too deep can keep it from blooming. Space bulbs about 8-12 inches apart. Plant in summer or early fall while the bulbs are dormant. Water after planting and during the winter growing season, then let the soil stay dry in summer while the bulbs rest.
After Blooming: The strap-like leaves come up after the flowers in fall and grow through winter and spring. Leave the foliage in place until it yellows on its own in late spring, since it is feeding the bulb for next year's blooms. Belladonnas resent being disturbed, so leave established clumps alone.
Animals: All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten, so deer, gophers, and rabbits tend to leave it alone. Keep pets and children from chewing on the bulbs.