Since 1987, the knight star has been assigned to a separate genus called Hippeastrum, with more than 80 species. Until then, botanists categorized the magnificent winter bloomer as part of the Amaryllis genus. The name Amaryllis has stuck in the vernacular for the knight's star to this day. This confusion of names does not detract from the breathtaking effect of its most beautiful varieties.

The Amaryllis Cherry Nymph is well suited to be grown in a jar

Classic in bright red

In the middle of winter, the sight of the following varieties with their giant red flowers warms our hearts.

  • Ferrari: Blooms profusely and reliably in the pot on the wintry windowsill
  • Benfica: Award-winning knight star with dark red, majestic flowers
  • Magnum: This blood red amaryllis lives up to its name in terms of flower size

Floral ice queens in snow white

The following hybrids are not only the first choice for winter bridal bouquets. Let yourself be carried away by these amaryllis varieties into a white flower fairy tale:

  • Alfesco: The enchanting variety boasts pure white, lavishly filled flower stars
  • Amadeus: The white winter beauty enchants with delicate, pink flower spikes
  • Jewel: A semi-double treasure whose white flowers exude a spicy scent

Stunning hybrids with double flowers

At first glance, the following hybrids cannot be seen as coming from wild species such as Hippeastrum vittatum or Hippeastrum aulicum. Nevertheless, they have largely retained their robust constitution.

  • Double Delicious: The light red, double flowers are given a special twist with delicate, white stripes
  • Pretty Nymph: The highlight of the variety impresses with double flowers whose leaves curl apart
  • Sweet Nymph: Pink and white novelty from the best double breeder, Ton Peter van Nieuwkerk

The best varieties for forcing in jars

While a majestic knight star with a height of 60 cm cannot hold itself in the glass, the following stocky species are ideal candidates for forcing:

  • Arctic Nymph: With a growth height of 30-40 cm, this white-flowered variety really shines in the glass
  • Cherry Nymph: The cherry red flowers rise on up to 3 flower stalks that reach a maximum length of 35 cm
  • Exotic Nymph: A flower dream in creamy white and peach for the successful knight's star forcing

tips

If you cannot plant a freshly acquired knight star right away, do not store the bulb too warm. At temperatures between a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 9 degrees Celsius, the willingness to flower remains for several weeks.

Category:

Vegetable garden