Common Names for Amaryllis

Florist Amaryllis

• Among horticulturists, the term "florist amaryllis" is frequently used to distinguish the large-flowering hybrid plants in the genus Hippeastrum, according to Learn2Grow. Americans likely see these bulbs sold in time to force them into bloom anytime from Thanksgiving to St. Valentine's Day. These plants are the result of complex hybrid crosses and the best progeny are assigned cultivar names. Examples include Apple Blossom, Lady Jane, Red Lion, Picotee and Christmas Gift.

Butterfly Amaryllis

• The species Hippeastrum papilio is commonly called the "butterfly amaryllis." This tropical evergreen perennial blooms in late winter to early spring with six-petaled, trumpet-like flowers. John Fellers of the International Bulb Society notes that the positioning of the petals makes the flower's face look like a butterfly, especially since contrasting maroon stripes festoon the white petals. "Papilio" is the Latin word for butterfly.

Barbados Amaryllis

• Blooming in summer, Barbados amaryllis (Hippeastrum puniceum) displays funnel-shaped red, scarlet or pink flowers. The flowers' throats are greenish yellow. This species also is called the Barbados lily.

Mexican Amaryllis

• Also flowering in summertime is Mexican amaryllis (Hippeastrum reginae). This perennial produces flower stalks topped with nodding, trumpet-shaped flowers of scarlet red. In the base of the flower throat is a star-shaped green marking. Mexican amaryllis also is referred to as the Mexican lily.

Knight's Star Amaryllis

• Also called the long-styled Knight's Star lily according to the "A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants," the Knight's Star amaryllis (Hippeastrum stylosum) displays light red to pink flowers in summer. Darker red speckles, pinkish brown veins and green throats occur on each blossom. The female organ, the "style," in each is long and visually prominent.

St. Joseph's Amaryllis

• White flowers shaped like trumpets appear in spring on the St. Joseph's amaryllis (Hippeastrum vittatum). Red stripes line the white petals. The flower stalk that bears the clusters of flowers is tall, reaching upward of 3 feet. This perennial bulb is also called the St. Joseph's lily.

Amaryllis belladonna

• According to the "A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants" there is a solitary species in the botanical genus Amaryllis--a true amaryllis in identity. Common names for this perennial are Magic lily, Resurrection lily and Nked Ladies. These names make reference to the leaves that appear in fall to spring and then disappear, followed months later by tall, naked stemmed flower stalks in mid to late summer. The flowers are scented, funnel-shaped and rosy pink. As of 1998, the Pacific Bulb Society notes that a second species was found and described: Amaryllis paradisicola.