Belladonna Lily Amaryllis belladonna

Naked lady is a summer flowering bulb in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) native to Africa and is often found growing in rocky soils. It has naturalized in many areas with a Mediterranean-type climate. The Genus name comes from the Ancient Greek verb amarýssō (ἀμαρύσσω), meaning "sparkle, shine". The specific epithet belladonna is derived from the Italian bella donna, which means beautiful lady. The common name comes from the flower stalk appearing once the leaves have withered.

Plant bulbs in the ground or pots in fall with the top of the bulb just above the soil line and 6 to 12 inches apart or 1 to 2 bulbs per square foot. These drought-tolerant plants will grow 2-3 feet tall and wide and prefer well-drained soils in full sun.  Propagates through its perennial mother bulb that produces offset bulblets or through seed.  The seeds require a warm (60 to 80 degrees F) to cool (35 to 50 degrees F) to warm (60 to 80 degrees F) annual thermoperiodic cycle. 

The strap-shaped leaves generally appear in spring and die down by summer. In late summer to fall 1 to 2 stems emerge that have 6 to 12 trumpet-shaped fragrant soft pink flowers that attract pollinators

Use in beds, rock gardens, border fronts, containers and woodland gardens. In areas lower than zone 8 the bulbs will need to be lifted and stored in a warmer environment.

Insects, Diseases and other Pant Problems:  A generally disease-free plant.  Aphids, mealybugs, and red spider mite are occasional pests.