FROM strategically placed mistletoe to a cheery red poinsettia and a classic holly wreath, there are many beautiful plants that help us celebrate the splendor of the holiday season. But my favorite of all is the massive, deep red, blooming Hippeastrum, commonly — and erroneously — known as Amaryllis.
Let's clear the name confusion first.
After centuries of botanical nomenclature chaos, the experts have finally decided that there is only one true Amaryllis and that is my much beloved pink flowering Naked Lady, Amaryllis belladonna. Unfortunately in the interim, the general public came to know the genus Hippeastrum simply as Amaryllis. But out of respect for the plant — after all, I hate it when people call me "Greg" — we'll use it's true genus name, Hippeastrum. Plants have feelings too, you know.
Both Hippeastrum and Amaryllis belladonna are bulbous plants producing long flower stalks with clusters of large, impressive flowers, but this is where the similarities end. Amaryllis belladonna is a true species originating from South Africa, untampered with by man and found in the wild. It has solid stems, blooms in shades of pink through rose, requires no summer water in this climate and blooms in late summer.
To read the rest of this story please go to: Contra Costa Times