x Amarygia [Ciferri & Giacom]

    There is much debate as to how these robust and visually attractive bulbs originated. What distinguishes them from Amaryllis belladonna is the distinctive radial head and a greater number of blossoms of good substance.

    It is thought they may have been derived, from a cross of Amaryllis belladonna and Brunsvigia josephinae and  have also masqueraded as: A. Bidwellii, A. Parkeri and A. multiflora, in many diverse listings

    Many improved forms have been raised in Australia, England and the U.S.A., such as 'Hathor'.  There are also some exciting breeding results now emerging, some of our bulbs have blossoms of magenta red, some candy stripe and others have variegated leaves, which gives prolonged garden appeal.

    The late Mr. Les Hannibal, of Fair Oaks, California, has been the foremost breeder in the U.S., and has always been very generous in distributing seed worldwide. We have also found [and rescued], older varieties within the Fremont, Newark area of the San Francisco Bay, that were growing on large estates about to become new housing tracts. Several Australian growers have also made similar finds.

    They are trouble and maintenance free bulbs, of long duration, and not subject to rodent damage. Their life cycle commences with flowering in mid August to mid September, before any leaves appear.  This is also the optimum time to transplant. The onset of water initiates new roots to form and leaves to grow, in temperate climates these remain until early Spring,  at which point they will become dormant. They are  tolerant of water year round,  seedlings  can be be brought into flower earlier by this means.

    Site requirements are simple, a sunny situation, near a southern wall in colder climates, although shade is permissible as this will prolong the flowering period. Pot cultivation is also successful, using at least a 5 gallon size flower pot, as the bulbs are often 12" in circumference and can remain in the pot for several years before they need repotting.

    Propagation can be done by bulb splitting, but this is not for the faint of heart. They do grow well from seed and are an excellent introduction into the world of plant hybridizing.  For those that have patience  x Amarygia seed propagation is highly recommended.