Family: Amaryllidaceae
Common Name: Amazon Lily

This genus from the tropical Americas com­prises 20 species of evergreen, bulbous plants grown as greenhouse specimens in cooler regions but outdoors in warm temperate to tropical areas, where they need semi-shade and a minimum winter temperature of 18°C (64°F). They do best, and look their best, in pots or tubs. These are some of the loveliest of all bul­bous plants.

Species

E. x grandiflora, from Colombia, is the best known species, producing delightful, white, scented flowers, 10 cm (4 in) across, with waxy, open petals, faintly tinged with green on the corona. There are usually two to four on each stem. The rich, deep green leaf blades grow to 50 cm (20 in) and the plant itself reaches 1 m (3 ft).

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in an intermediate or warm greenhouse or conserva­tory. These bulbs need a good quality potting mix which drains freely, and plenty of water during the growing period. Feed with soluble liquid fertilizer. Provide an enforced resting period after flowering by withholding food and water, to encourage the formation of new flower spikes. Although a summer and a winter flowering are possible, this is very difficult to achieve. Propagate from offsets taken from bulbs after flowering.

Climate

At least zone 10.