The flower that most people call amaryllis is botanically often called Hippeastrum. Useful to know straight away, so you do not get confused when you see both names. And there is much more choice than just the well-known red Christmas flower: amaryllises differ in flower shape, colour, size and appearance. Below, you will learn to recognise the main types, choose a variety that suits your home more easily, and also understand what is needed for beautiful flowering and, if you want, keeping it for another year.
How to recognise the main groups and flower types
In practice, when people talk about "types", they often mean a mix of group, flower type, colour and cultivar.
| Group | Flower type | Fullness and size | Overall look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large-flowered | Broad, open petals | Large and eye-catching | Classic; often red, white, pink or bicoloured |
| Double-flowered | Multiple layers of petals | Extra full | Rich and festive |
| Spider or cybister-like | Narrow, pointed petals | Airier | Refined, playful and often a little more unusual in look |
| Small-flowered | More compact flowers | More subtle | Calmer effect, ideal for smaller spaces |
Amaryllis and Hippeastrum: why do you see both names?
In everyday language, the familiar winter-flowering bulb for indoors is almost always called amaryllis. Botanically, the name Hippeastrum is often used for this indoor bulb. That is why you will often come across both names on webshops, in care guides and in inspiration articles. On this page, we mean the familiar indoor amaryllises: the bulbs you put in a pot or grow as an amaryllis in water.
Popular cultivars and what makes them special
- Red Lion: classic large-flowered and deep red, with a bold, festive look.
- Antarctica: bright white and calm-looking; lovely if you like a light, elegant feel.
- Pink Surprise: a roze amaryllis with a softer look, fresh without looking pale.
- Quito: slimmer and spider-like, with an airier and more playful effect than the classic forms.
- Emerald: refined and distinctive, often chosen for its greenish accents and more exclusive look.
So the best amaryllis variety is not the same for everyone. It mostly depends on the atmosphere you are looking for: classic, soft, sleek or striking.
How to choose an amaryllis to suit your home and the season
- Start with the look: red feels classic and festive, witte amaryllis looks calm and sleek, pink softer and friendlier.
- Pay attention to flower size and shape: large, full flowers draw a lot of attention, while slimmer forms look airier.
- Consider the space too: tall flower stems look better when the pot is sturdy and you have enough room. Looking for compact, pot-suitable varieties? See amaryllis voor potten.
- Plan your flowering ahead: allow roughly 6 to 10 weeks from planting to flowering. If you want flowers around Christmas, browse kerst amaryllis. Still orienting? Explore alle amaryllis.
Care that almost every amaryllis needs
- Use a sturdy pot that is not much larger than the bulb, with airy potting compost.
- Do not plant too deeply and follow the planting instructions for the bulb. A warm, bright spot helps at the start.
- Start watering sparingly. Only once the roots, stem and leaves are growing well should you increase watering.
- Prevent rot by not leaving water standing. If the plant is kept a little cooler once the flowers are open, the blooms often stay beautiful for longer.
- Feed during the growing phase and support long flower stems if needed. If you would like more detail, also read more about amaryllis verzorgen or amaryllis in water.
Frequently asked questions about amaryllis
Can an amaryllis flower twice?
Yes, it can, although it is less straightforward than the first flowering. After flowering, only cut away the spent blooms and let the leaves keep growing in a bright spot. Keep giving water and feed during this growing phase, so the bulb can build up its reserves again. After that, the bulb needs a rest period. How likely a strong second flowering is depends mainly on bulb size, light and care.
How do I store an amaryllis bulb until next year?
After flowering, first leave the leaves in place and only reduce watering once the plant is growing less actively. Then store the bulb somewhere cooler and drier for a while, so it can rest properly. Do not force new growth during this phase. If you want to know exactly how to do this step by step, read on in our guide to keeping an amaryllis for next year.
