Amaryllis belladonnais South African wildflower in the lily family line ( Liliacea spp . ) , grown as an annual in U.S. Department of Agriculture works hardiness zones 3 through 10 . Aside from having the distinction of producing flowers on leaf - less stems , it is the only specie in its genus . The plant ’s species name of " belladonna , " which means " beautiful dame , " sure enough speaks to its tempting appearing but says little about its possible toxicity .
One Plant, Many Names
Amaryllis belladonna plant is known by several other plebeian names . One of the most popular is * * " naked Lady , " * * a computer address to the delicate pink flower that emerge from the stems in summer before leaves appear . It is also known asJersey lilyfor two reason . First , the flower has an affinity for the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel Islands , a neighborhood get laid for its fertile soil and a report for receiving more hours of sunlight daily than any other location in the United Kingdom . Secondly , the moniker became colligate with a painting in which a famous English actress , Lily Langtry , who is from Jersey Island , is depicted holding an Amaryllis belladonna flower . In fact , the artist named the painting " A Jersey Lily . "
Warning
Amaryllis belladonna is the only " true " Amaryllis andshould not be confused with Hippeastrum speciessold in memory during the winter holidays that are mistakenly labeled as Amaryllis .
Toxicity of Amaryllis Belladonna
In Humans
The toxic consequence of ingest the light bulb or saphead of Amaryllis belladonna in humans is due to the presence of several alkaloids , including lycorine , pancracine and amaryllidine . In humans , theadverse burden are relatively minorand limited to puking and diarrhea . It would be prudent , however , to callPoison Controlor your Dr. without postponement , peculiarly if a child is involved .
Tip
Some people may experiencecontact dermatitisfrom handling Amaryllis deadly nightshade . If you suspect you may be one of them , wear thin mitt when planting or toil up the bulbs .
In Pets
The perniciousness of Amaryllis Atropa belladonna ismore pronounced in petsthan it is in citizenry , especially in cat . Symptoms of poisoning admit :
remark that the ingestion oflarge amountsof Amaryllis belladonnamay be fataldue to suppression of the central nervous organisation and respiratory unsuccessful person . If you conceive your pet may have eaten the plant in any amount , call your veterinary surgeon .
In Wildlife
Amaryllis belladonna is known to be toxic to goats and is presumed to betoxic to all grazing brute , include livestock . The symptom of intoxication in these animals are exchangeable to those check in domesticated pets , with the addition of center or renal failure . cervid , however , appear to avoid the works .
A Late Bloomer
With an average height of 2 to 3 foot and redolent lily - like flowers of bright pink that can flower unceasingly for up to eight weeks , Amaryllis Atropa belladonna make animpressive displayin the garden . One of the best features of this industrial plant , however , is its appearance in mid - to - late summertime when most other anthesis plants have finished blooming .
Amaryllis belladonna is also easy to produce . A longsighted , hot produce time of year is the perfect setting for this plant , and it will thrive in any kind of soil as long as the web site is well - drained . A full day of sun is favor , but the plant will tolerate partial shade . Although it is only dusty hardy to zones 8 through 10 , the bulb can be dug up and brought indoors to winter and be replanted in spring .
To maximize impact , scale and textural interest , industrial plant Amaryllis belladonna with other marvelous flowering perennials or evergreen ground covers .
