Hippeastrum is a genus of flowering bulbs in the Amaryllidaceae family. They are commonly known as amaryllis, but this is somewhat incorrect, as there is another genus of flowering plants in the same family called Amaryllis. Whatever you call them, they are undisputedly glorious and are often sold as festive potted blooms and gifted around Christmastime.
These herbaceous perennials have tall, thick flowering stems that hold bunches of large, showy trumpet-shaped flowers that resemble lilies, and come in a wide variety of colors from red, to pink, white, orange, and multicolor with spots or banding. There are over 90 species in the genus Hippeastrum, and they have been widely bred and hybridized to create over 600 different cultivars. Amaryllis thrives when grown out in the garden or indoors in a pot.
They can be bought as dormant bulbs or potted plants. They grow between 10 inches and 3 feet tall and enjoy a position in full sun or bright shade. Plant them in soil with excellent drainage as they do suffer root rot if they sit in moisture for a long time.
1. Belladonna Lily
Amaryllis belladonna, the belladonna lily, is a true Amaryllis species that is native to the Drakensberg mountains of South Africa and Lesotho. Like amaryllis, belladonna lilies shoot up flowering stems before they grow any foliage, hence their other common name, naked ladies. They grow their long, sword-like leaves in fall and these last through winter.
Like amaryllis, the belladonna lily is a bulbous perennial that is dormant for part of the season (from spring to summer). In late summer, they produce many large pink and white trumpet-shaped blooms that closely resemble lilies and amaryllis. The flowers last for a long time and create a fabulous display of color in the garden.
They like to grow in full sun in gritty, sandy soils with good drainage. The bulbs should be planted in spring or early summer with a few inches of the tip of the bulb above the soil level. They can be grown in pots.
An individual belladonna lily requires its own pot, at least 8 inches wide. Once planted, they do not like to be disturbed, so make sure you pick the right location to plant them.
2. Spider Lily
Hymenocallis is a genus of flowering bulbs in the Amaryllidaceae family. Native to North, South and Central America, this diverse group of herbaceous perennials have become popular amongst horticulturalists for their large, showy flowers and sweet fragrance. Notable species of spider lily that are widely cultivated in gardens are Hymenocallis caribaea, Hymenocallis littoralis and Hymenocallis tubiflora.
They get their name from the long, narrow, curved flower petals that resemble spiders’ legs. They also have 6 long anthers that protrude from the flower. Spider lilies are very interesting to marvel at when they bloom in summer until fall.
Spider lily plants grow to around 2 to 3 feet tall and prefer growing in full or partial sun. The bulbs are hardy in zones 10 and 11 but must be taken indoors or into the warmth of a greenhouse over winter in other climates.
3. Blood Lily
Scadoxus multiflorus is a bulbous perennial endemic to South Africa’s tropical and sub-tropical regions. It belongs to the Amaryllis family and is related to amaryllis. The common name, blood lily, originates from the crimson, blood-like streaks on the bulb’s flattened white surface.
Each bulb develops several brilliant green, strap-like leaves and a single flower head each season. The flower head is spherical, 4 to 6 inches wide, and paintbrush-like with hundreds of small red florets with yellow-tipped stamens. Each flower head develops in late spring on a 1- to 2-inch-tall stalk.
Blood lily plants may be grown directly in the ground in organically rich, medium moisture, well-draining soils in full sun to part shade. They are hardy in USDA zones 9-11 – not frost tolerant. During the growth season, plants require regular watering.
During the winter, reduce the amount of water as the plants go into dormancy. You may also check: Different Types of Flowers!
4. Clivia
Clivia miniata, like amaryllis flowers, is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family and originally comes from South Africa. Bush lilies have grown in popularity as both outdoor and indoor ornamental plants. They are perennials in USDA zones 9 and 10. Heat and dryness are tolerable, but frost is not.
In cooler regions, one can cultivate them in a greenhouse. In the winter and spring, Clivia produce clusters of big, trumpet-shaped flowers on long, thick stalks that resemble amaryllis blooms. The flowers are red, yellow, and orange in hue; however, rare cream cultivars have been developed.
Bush lilies grow in woodlands in their native environment. Therefore, they thrive in dappled shade and rich, composted soil with adequate drainage in the garden. They grow amaryllis-like clusters of evergreen, strap-like leaves once established.
Every 4 to 5 years, clusters will need to be divided. In the summer, one should water them once a week, but in the winter and fall, they only require watering once a month. Clivia reaches a height of around 3 feet.
5. Crinum
Crinium moorei is a bulbous perennial belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. They are closely related to amaryllis and share a lot of similarities. They grow long, slender leaves and their flowering stalks support clusters of large, fragrant trumpet-shaped blooms.
The blossoms appear in the springtime. Crinums are native to South Africa and thrive in USDA zones 7 to 10. They can be grown in pots and moved indoors during the winter in zones 3 to 6, as they are not frost hardy.
Plant them in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
6. Nerine
Nerine is a genus of flowering perennial bulbs endemic to South Africa. Nerine bowdenii is a popular garden species. They are related to amaryllis as they belong to the Amaryllidaceae family.
In the late summer and fall, they produce spherical umbels of trumpet-shaped blooms with curled-back petals in white and pink hues. The leaves of nerines are long, flat, and strappy, like amaryllis. Nerines are hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10.
While they are fairly frost resilient, they will require more mulch in the winter, particularly in colder areas. They prefer growing in full sun and do not mind poor soil conditions, as long as they have adequate drainage.
7. Amazon Lily
Eucharis grandiflora, the Amazon lily, is a bulbous perennial native to the tropical jungles of Ecuador. They are also a member of the Amaryllidaceae family. In spring, they produce a tall cluster of white, fragrant flowers which continue to bloom until fall.
Warmer tropical conditions are ideal for growing the Amazon Lily, but it will grow in cooler climates. Plant the Amazon lily in rich soil and keep it relatively moist. They prefer growing in full or dappled shade.
In cooler climates, the bulb will fall dormant during the winter, so it’s better to lift the bulbs and replant them in the spring.
8. Daffodil
Narcissus, or daffodils, are a genus of classic spring blooms. They are members of the Amaryllidaceae family and share many traits with amaryllis. Daffodils are bulbous perennials native to Europe.
They have been extensively cultivated and hybridized. There are many garden varieties available in a wide range of sizes and colors. In USDA zones 3 to 9, daffodils are grown as perennials.
Bulbs are planted in the fall, and the winter cold catalyzes their spring growth. In the spring, they produce long, strap-like leaves and yellow and white cup-and-saucer-shaped blooms. The smell of the flowers is enticing.
When planted in great masses, they make a stunning spring display.
9. Tulip
There are several species in the genus Tulipa. Early in the season, tulips put on a spectacular show of bold color. They are sought-after cut flowers. There’s nothing quite as rewarding as having a vase of freshly picked tulips on the kitchen table.
They are bulbous herbaceous perennials, similar to amaryllis. These traditional spring flowers have been widely bred and hybridized. Tulip cultivars come in a variety of forms, hues, and sizes.
The plants can reach a height of 4 to 30 inches. Tulips are native to Central Asia and southern Europe. USDA zones 3–7 are suitable for these cool-weather blooms.
In really cold climates, the bulbs should be lifted and stored in a warm, dry location during the winter. These valued flower bulbs are rather costly to purchase. Therefore they must be treated with care!
Tulips like growing in full sun but can grow in a somewhat shaded environment. They thrive in sandy, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
10. Hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis, commonly referred to as hyacinth are herbaceous perennials that are native to Europe. These popular garden flowers are grown in USDA zones 4 to 8 and are prized for their sweet-smelling spring blooms. The star-shaped flowers grow in clusters on 12-inch-tall, upright flower spikes.
The blooms have a sweet smell. Like amaryllis, they are popular seasonal ornamental houseplants. Like amaryllis, hyacinths are grown from bulbs.
They grow best in full sun or partial shade and require moist, well-draining soil. Plant them in sandy, loamy, or generally poorer soils, without too much organic matter. For a bright springtime display, plant them in late winter.
11. Moth Orchid
Moth orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis are amongst the world’s most popular indoor plants. Their ornate flowers and thick, green leaves bring an air of elegance and sophistication to any room, patio, or garden space. Originally native to Southeast Asia, the Philippines, New Guinea, and northern Australia, moth orchids are not cultivated all over the world.
In zones 10 to 12, they are hardy and can be grown out in the garden, in the crook of a tree or mounted on a beautiful piece of driftwood (as Phalaenopsis are epiphytes). Because they are so highly cultivated and bred, there are thousands of hybrid cultivars. Flowers are various shades of white, pink, purple, lavender, and yellow.
Moth orchids need a spot with bright shade. They can only tolerate indirect light, as their leaves will burn in full sun. Some varieties are miniature, growing only 8 inches tall, while others reach up to 40 inches tall.
12. Agapanthus
Agapanthus praecox, often known as Lily-of-the-Nile or African Lily, is a tropical herbaceous perennial native to South Africa. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, so is closely related to amaryllis, and shares many characteristics. In the summer, the plants produce clusters of long, strap-like leaves and shoot up tall flower stalks.
They produce globes of blue, lilac, or white trumpet-shaped blooms. When planted in huge swathes, Agapanthus makes a colorful statement. Agapanthus is hardy to USDA zones 7 through 11.
In warmer areas, fall or winter is the best time to plant them. These evergreen plants may be grown in pots in milder areas, but they should be brought indoors for the winter as they are not frost hardy. Agapanthus grow well in full sun or partial shade.
Plant them in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with enough organic matter to aid in water retention. These plants need to be watered on a regular basis because in their natural habitat, they grow in wet, boggy areas.
13. Snowdrops
Snowdrops, Galanthus nivalis, are a symbol of the start of spring. These bulbous perennials are another member of the Amaryllidaceae family. Snowdrops are native to Europe, where they grow in woodlands in vast white carpets.
They have bright green, strap-like leaves and produce bunches of tiny bell-like flowers atop long flowering shoots. They do not grow very tall, forming dense patches around 4 inches tall. These spring bulbs are cultivated as hardy perennials in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Snowdrops like to grow in rich, fertile, well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. They can be grown from bulbs or from seed and will spread over time.
14. Daylily
Hemerocallis fulva, or daylily, is a herbaceous perennial that is loved amongst gardeners worldwide for its gorgeous lily-like blooms. Members of the Amaryllidaceae family, they are related to amaryllis. Daylilies are native to eastern Asia, but they are highly adaptable to different environments and have been naturalized in Europe and North America.
They have a long flowering time, from spring to fall. Like amaryllis, daylilies produce clusters of large, lily-like, trumped-shaped flowers in white, purple, yellow and pink. Although individual flowers only last for a day (hence their name), each tall flowering spike carries about 12 flowers, so they bloom for weeks on end in summer.
They have long, flat, strap-like leaves and grow in clumps, about 3 feet tall. They thrive in USDA zones 3 to 9. Daylilies like to grow in full sun and are tolerant of poor soil conditions.
They do, however, need good drainage. They need to be watered well until they are established, after which they are quite drought hardy.
15. Fire Lily
Cyrtanthus is a genus of perennial bulbs native to South Africa. A member of the Amaryllidaceae family, the fire lily shares many characteristics with amaryllis. They have long, narrow, strappy foliage and produce bunches of long, tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers that are rich in nectar.
The blooms vary in color from yellow, to orange and shades of red. Fire lilies, like the species Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus, have become popular ornamental garden plants. They are hardy in zones 10 to 11 and are sensitive to cold temperatures. and the bulbs must be planted
Plant fire lilies in full sun, in soil that is free draining. These plants need lots of water, as they naturally grow in marshes and near rivers.
16. St Joseph’s Lily
Lilium formosanum is a true lily, in the genus Lilium. Also known as the Easter lily or St Joseph’s lily, this gorgeous white trumpet-shaped flower is a symbol of autumn. They are native to Taiwan, which used to be known as Formosa, hence the plants binomial name.
Like amaryllis, they are grown from bulbs. They are hardy in zones 5 to 8 and are heat sensitive. It is best to plant them so that the plants lower parts are partially shaded and the top of the plant is in full sun.
These lilies grow 4 to 7 feet tall, so they may require staking for support when the large, white, showy, fragrant flowers get heavy.
17. Crocus
Crocus species are perennial bulbs belonging to the Iridaceae family. They are harbingers of spring, and their starry flowers can often be seen poking up through the snow before any other plants have begun flowering. They have been widely bred, and there are many hybrid cultivars.
Crocuses are native to Asia, north Africa, and Europe in a range of different landscapes. These bulbs can grow in any soil type in lawns, as part of a wildflower meadow, or woodland gardens. They only reach a height of around 6 inches.
Crocuses are hardy in zones 3 to 8, and they should be planted early in the fall. They grow very quickly, and bloom soon after winter temperatures start to rise. Plant crocuses in full sun, as this is where they bloom best.
Water them regularly during the spring and fall but keep them dry in summer while they are dormant. You may also like: Types of Flowers by Alphabet!
18. Sea Daffodil
Pancratium maritimum is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, like amaryllis. The sea daffodil is so named because it naturally grows in coastal dunes above the high-water mark. This bulbous perennial is native to the Mediterranean coastline.
During winter they produce clusters of large, white, lily-like flowers and have long, evergreen, strap-like leaves, similar to amaryllis. These plants are hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10. They can be grown in the garden in light, sandy soils with excellent drainage – perfect for coastal gardens.
19. Red Spider Lily
Lycoris radiata, or the red spider lily, is a bulbous perennial that is also a member of the Amaryllidaceae family. Native to Nepal, China, and Korea, these gorgeous flowering plants have become widely cultivated garden species. It produces tall stems carrying umbels of striking, crimson-red flowers with long, curled-back petals.
Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to them! Red spider lily can be grown in the border or in large pots. The plants reach a height of about 12 to 24 inches tall.
These low maintenance flowers are hardy in zones 6 to 10. They enjoy growing in well-draining soil that is chalky, loamy, and sandy. Plant the bulbs in full or at least partial sun.
20. Orange Lily
Blooming in early summer, Lilium bulbiferum, the orange lily,is one of the first lilies to bloom in the season. Native to southern Europe, these flowering bulbs are a garden favorite. They produce big, showy, wide-open orange flowers with dark chocolate speckles.
Big bulbs can produce half a dozen or more blossoms, so group 3 bulbs together in a spot for a striking show. This fast-growing plant will multiply and get better and better year after year. They grow to around 3 to 4 feet tall.
The bulbs can be planted in spring or fall for a spectacular summer display in the border.
21. Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii, or peace lily, is a popular species of house plants, similar to amaryllis. However, it is a member of the Arum family rather than an Amaryllidaceae species. Peace lilies are native to the rainforests of South America and enjoy hot, humid, tropical conditions.
They cannot tolerate cold. In USDA zones 10 and 11, they can be grown outside in the garden, but in cooler regions, they are only grown indoors. Peace lilies start producing flowers in early summer and in the right growing conditions, can continue blooming all year round. The flowers are white or off-white and consist of a large leaf-like sheath (called a spathe), and a long, bumpy spike of tiny flowers (called a spadix).
Unlike amaryllis, they grow from rhizomes rather than true bulbs. Often one can buy peace lilies that are in special bulb vases with water but no soil. However, they grow just as well in regular, well-draining potting soil.
They need bright, indirect light to flower well.
22. Zephyrlily
Zephyranthes is a genus of flowering bulbs that are also known as rain lilies. Zephyrlily is native to South America, and the beautiful flowers that appear out of nowhere in midsummer are often mistaken for crocuses. These low-growing plants only reach a height of about 6 to 12 inches, and the foliage is very fine and strap-like, more closely resembling grape hyacinth than amaryllis. Rain lilies produce white, pink, or orange flowers with 3 petals and 3 sepals.
They often appear after heavy rain, hence their common name. Rain lilies are fantastic plants for wildflower meadows and more contemporary, naturalistic style plantings. They do best when planted in full sun, in well-composted, free-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
Rain lilies are hardy in zones 7 to 11. You may also check: Different Types of Flowers by Color!
23. Fairy Lily
A fragrant, yellow-flowered member of the Amaryllidaceae family, Chlidanthus fragrans, or the perfumed fairy lily, is native to the Andes mountains of Peru. They are popular garden plants throughout the world and make long-lasting cut flowers with a citrusy scent. Fairy lily grows 10 to 12 inches tall and blooms in summer.
Hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11, these plants are sensitive to cold and must be planted out after the date of the last frost.
24. Aztec Lily
The blood-red Aztec lily (Sprekelia formosissima) from Mexico has very unusual-looking, showy flowers. Like amaryllis, this bulbous perennial flowers seasonally and has many of the same growing requirements. In warm areas that do not frost (USDA zones 10 and up), they can be grown outdoors.
In zones 8 and 9, they should be given a thick layer of mulch to protect them during the winter months. In zones 7 and below, they should be grown in pots or containers like amaryllis flowers so that they can be taken indoors or into a greenhouse over winter. Aztec lilies like growing in full sun and reach a height of around 1 foot tall.
They enjoy hot, humid conditions. Keep them well watered but ensure that the soil drains well so that the bulbs do not rot.
25. Gladiolus
Gladiolus nanus is native to South Africa. They are beloved by horticulturalists because they bring height and color to the garden. Extensively cultivated and hybridized, there are many garden varieties of gladiolus.
Red, pink, orange, white, lilac, and blue varieties planted in large groupings make a striking midsummer display. The flowers are gorgeous, and because each flowering shoot has many blossoms, they bloom for many weeks. Gladioluses grow in USDA zones 5 to 11.
Like amaryllis, they are grown from bulbs. The bulbs must be planted in early spring. They grow to around 20 inches in height.
The long, sword-like leaves have veins, and they shoot up tall flowering shoots in midsummer. The big flowers can get heavy, so they require staking for support. Plant gladioluses in a sheltered, sunny spot in loamy, sandy, well-draining soil.