5 Different Types Of Amaryllis Flowers

The amaryllis is a truly spectacular flower, famous for its large, impressive blooms that brighten up our homes, especially during the festive seasons. While many of us recognise the classic red amaryllis, there is a whole world of different varieties to discover. 

From flowers with double the petals to those with delicate, spidery shapes, this guide will introduce you to the diverse and beautiful types of amaryllis. We will help you understand their categories, colours, and how to choose the perfect one for your home or as a special gift.

Understanding the Amaryllis: More Than Just a Pretty Flower

Before we dive into the beautiful varieties, it is helpful to understand a little more about this remarkable plant. Its popularity in Singapore is no accident; its stunning appearance and simple care requirements make it a beloved choice for many households.

Amaryllis vs. Hippeastrum

You might be surprised to learn that most of the flowers we call amaryllis are technically from the genus Hippeastrum. The true amaryllis genus has only one species, Amaryllis belladonna, which is a native of South Africa. 

The large-flowering bulbs we grow indoors are native to Central and South America and belong to the Hippeastrum genus. However, the name 'amaryllis' has become so widely used for these flowers that it is now the common name everyone knows and loves. For this guide, we will continue to use the popular name amaryllis to keep things simple.

Why Amaryllis is a Favourite in Singaporean Homes

The amaryllis is perfectly suited for life in Singapore. As they are often grown indoors from bulbs, they are an excellent choice for those living in apartments or HDB flats who may not have outdoor garden space. They bring a dramatic touch of nature indoors.

Their blooming period often coincides with major holidays like Christmas and Chinese New Year. A pot of vibrant red amaryllis adds a wonderfully festive feel to any celebration. Beyond its beauty, the amaryllis symbolises pride, strength, and radiant beauty, making it a flower with a lovely meaning to have in your home.

How Amaryllis Varieties Are Grouped

With hundreds of cultivars available, it helps to know how they are organised. Florists and growers usually group amaryllis based on the size and shape of their flowers. Understanding these main groups makes it much easier to explore the different varieties and find a style that you love. 

The main categories you will encounter are the Large Flowering, Double Flowering, Cybister, Trumpet, and the unique Butterfly (Papilio) types. Each group offers a distinct look and personality.

5 Types of Amaryllis Flowers

Let's explore the most popular groups of amaryllis. Each one has its own unique charm, from the classic and bold to the exotic and delicate.

1. Large Flowering Amaryllis

This is the group most people picture when they think of amaryllis. These varieties produce enormous, single flowers with six petals that can grow up to 20-25 cm across. Their simple, elegant shape and bold presence make them a timeless favourite for home decor and as impressive gifts. They are known for their strong stems and reliable blooming.

• Red Lion: This is perhaps the most famous amaryllis of all. 'Red Lion' boasts huge, deep velvety red blooms that are simply breathtaking. It is the go-to choice for creating a festive atmosphere.
• Apple Blossom: For a softer, more romantic look, 'Apple Blossom' is a perfect choice. Its petals are a delicate blend of soft pink and creamy white, creating a lovely watercolour effect.
• Minerva: This variety is a real showstopper. 'Minerva' features brilliant red petals with a striking white star shape in the centre and a fresh green throat. It's a cheerful and vibrant flower that commands attention.
• Picotee: 'Picotee' offers understated elegance. It has crisp, pure white petals, each one delicately outlined with a very fine red edge. It is a sophisticated and graceful variety that looks stunning in any setting.
• Christmas Gift: As its name suggests, this is a perfect holiday flower. It produces large, pristine white blooms that are both pure and beautiful, symbolising peace and celebration.

2. Double Flowering Amaryllis

If you love a flower with plenty of presence, the double-flowering varieties are for you. These cultivars have been specially bred to produce extra layers of petals, giving the flowers a very full, lush appearance that resembles a rose or a peony. They feel incredibly luxurious and make a dramatic statement.

• Dancing Queen: True to its name, 'Dancing Queen' is a fabulous and fun variety. It has large, frilly flowers with layers of petals striped in brilliant red and pure white.
• Nymph Series: This series includes stunning varieties like 'White Nymph', 'Pink Nymph', and 'Sweet Nymph'. They are known for their very large, densely packed petals that create a beautiful, fluffy bloom in various soft and romantic colours.
• Double Dragon: For a bold and fiery display, 'Double Dragon' is an excellent choice. It features layers of intense scarlet-red petals, creating a rich and dramatic flower.
• Aphrodite: Named after the goddess of beauty, 'Aphrodite' lives up to its name. It has gorgeous double blooms with white petals that are gently flushed and feathered with a soft rose-pink.

3. Cybister Amaryllis

For those who appreciate more unusual and modern-looking flowers, the Cybister group is fascinating. These varieties have a unique, orchid-like appearance with very slender, spidery petals. They look more delicate and exotic than the classic amaryllis types. They originate from species native to South America and bring a touch of the tropics indoors.

• Evergreen: This is a truly stunning and unique amaryllis. 'Evergreen' has creamy green-white petals that sweep back elegantly from a vibrant green starburst centre. It’s a very fresh and modern choice.
• Chico: 'Chico' is another eye-catching Cybister variety. Its slender, creamy-green petals are marked with deep reddish-purple, creating a dramatic and artistic look.
• Sumatra: This variety features spiky blooms with long, thin petals. The colour is a delicate blend of pale green with streaks and blushes of soft red.

4. Trumpet Amaryllis

As their name suggests, these amaryllis varieties have flowers shaped like long, graceful trumpets, similar to lilies. They often have a more symmetrical and classic form, and some even offer a lovely fragrance. This group is perfect for adding a touch of formal elegance to your home.

• Santiago: This beautiful variety features fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. Its petals are striped like a peppermint candy cane in cheerful red and white.
• Misty: 'Misty' is a truly unique trumpet amaryllis, often prized for its light, pleasant fragrance. It boasts lovely pink and green flowers that are both delicate and enchanting.
• Estella: This cultivar is bright and cheerful. It has vibrant pink petals that form a classic trumpet shape, highlighted by a narrow white star in the centre and a green throat.

5. Butterfly Amaryllis (Hippeastrum papilio)

The Butterfly amaryllis, or Hippeastrum papilio, is a distinct species that is highly sought after by collectors and plant enthusiasts. It is considered one of the most beautiful and rare types. Its flowers truly resemble butterflies in flight. 

The upper petals are broad, while the lower ones are more slender, and they are marked with intricate patterns of maroon and chartreuse green. Unlike most other amaryllis, this species from Brazil is evergreen and does not need a dormant period to flower again.

Meaning of Amaryllis Colours

Colour can dramatically influence the feel of a room or a floral gift. Amaryllis comes in a wonderful range of colours, each with its own mood and symbolism.

Classic Reds and Deep Burgundies

Red is the most traditional colour for amaryllis. It symbolises love, passion, and deep determination. During festive seasons, red amaryllis brings a feeling of warmth and celebration. Examples include the famous 'Red Lion' and the darker, velvety 'Red Pearl'.

Pure Whites and Creams

White amaryllis represents purity, elegance, and beauty. A bouquet or pot of white amaryllis can create a look of timeless sophistication. They are perfect for creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Varieties like 'Christmas Gift', 'White Nymph', and the green-tinged 'Ice Queen' are lovely choices.

Soft Pinks and Peaches

Pink is a colour of gentleness, friendship, and happiness. Amaryllis in shades of pink and peach are perfect for gifting to a dear friend or for adding a soft, feminine touch to your decor. Look for beautiful varieties like 'Apple Blossom', 'Sweet Nymph', and 'Rosalie'.

Vibrant Oranges and Salmons

Orange is a colour of energy, warmth, and enthusiasm. An orange amaryllis can bring a burst of cheerful energy to any room. These bright and happy flowers are sure to make you smile. Popular orange varieties include 'Desire' and the softer salmon-toned 'Rilona'.

Bicolours and Striped Varieties

For a playful and unique look, choose a bicoloured or striped variety. These amaryllis combine two or more colours on their petals, creating eye-catching patterns. They symbolise uniqueness and joy. Fun examples include 'Minerva' (red and white), 'Dancing Queen' (red and white stripes), and 'Clown' (red and white stripes).

Unusual Greens and Yellows

Green and yellow amaryllis are less common but absolutely stunning. Green represents renewal, nature, and good fortune, while yellow symbolises happiness and friendship. The Cybister variety 'Evergreen' is a fantastic green choice, while 'Yellow Star' offers a rare and beautiful yellow bloom.

How To Choose The Right Amaryllis For You

With so many options, you can choose an amaryllis that is perfect for your needs.

For a Festive Centrepiece

To create a stunning centrepiece for a holiday table or festive gathering, choose bold, large-flowering or double-flowering types. Classic festive colours like deep red or pure white make a powerful statement. We recommend 'Red Lion', 'Double Dragon', or the elegant 'Picotee'.

For a Minimalist and Modern Space

If your home has a modern and minimalist style, the more unusual amaryllis varieties will fit in beautifully. The delicate, spidery shapes of Cybister amaryllis or the rare Butterfly amaryllis add an artistic touch without being overwhelming. Consider 'Evergreen' or Hippeastrum papilio.

As a Thoughtful Gift

When giving an amaryllis as a gift, consider varieties with softer colours or lovely meanings. A pot with a blooming amaryllis is a wonderful gift that keeps on giving. 'Apple Blossom' is a beautiful choice for its romantic feel, while 'Sweet Nymph' feels luxurious and special.

For Beginners

If you are new to growing amaryllis, it is best to start with a variety that is known to be strong and easy to grow. Robust cultivars that produce beautiful flowers with minimal fuss are a great way to build your confidence. 'Red Lion' and 'Minerva' are both excellent choices as they are known to be reliable and vigorous bloomers.

Basic Care Tips for All Amaryllis Types

One of the best things about amaryllis is how easy they are to grow. Follow these simple flower care tips to enjoy beautiful blooms.

• Step 1: Potting: Choose a pot that is just about 2-3 cm wider than the bulb itself. Amaryllis like to be snug in their pots. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
• Step 2: Soil: Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
• Step 3: Planting: Place the bulb in the soil so that the top one-third of the bulb remains exposed above the soil line.
• Step 4: Watering: After planting, water it well once. Then, water very sparingly until you see the first green shoot appear. Once it is actively growing, keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy.
• Step 5: Light: Place the pot in a bright, warm spot with indirect sunlight.
• Step 6: After Blooming: Once the flowers have faded, cut the flower stalks off near the base, but allow the leaves to continue growing. Care for it like a houseplant, and it may store enough energy to bloom again next year.

Conclusion On Types of Amaryllis

From the classic beauty of the 'Red Lion' to the exotic, butterfly-like wings of 'Papilio', the world of amaryllis is incredibly diverse. There is truly an amaryllis variety to suit every personality, home decor style, and special occasion in Singapore. 

Their majestic blooms bring so much joy and beauty into our spaces with very little effort required. We hope this guide inspires you to explore these different varieties and enjoy the magic of watching them grow and flower.

If you have any questions or want to order a beautiful bouquet of flowers, please contact us. Visit Singapore Florist to find beautiful flowers and bouquets for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Amaryllis

What Is the Most Beautiful Amaryllis?

Beauty is subjective and depends on personal taste. However, many consider rare varieties like Hippeastrum papilio (Butterfly Amaryllis) to be among the most beautiful due to their unique shape and intricate maroon and green markings. For a classic look, 'Apple Blossom' with its soft pink and white blend is a consistent favourite.

How Many Types of Amaryllis Are There?

The Hippeastrum genus, which includes the plants we commonly call amaryllis, has about 90 species. However, through extensive hybridisation, there are now over 600 named cultivars available, offering a vast selection of colours, shapes, and sizes.

What Is the Most Popular Amaryllis?

The 'Red Lion' variety is overwhelmingly the most popular and widely recognised amaryllis. Its giant, vibrant red blooms have made it a timeless classic, especially for Christmas and festive decorations. It is known for being a strong, reliable, and easy-to-grow variety.

What Is the Rarest Amaryllis?

True species amaryllis, which are not hybrids, are generally rarer than common cultivars. Hippeastrum papilio is often considered one of the rarest and most sought-after types. Additionally, some newer hybrids or those with unusual colours like true yellow or deep purple can be harder to find.

What Is a Double Amaryllis?

A double amaryllis is a type that has been bred to have extra sets of petals. Instead of the standard six petals, these flowers have many layers, which gives them a much fuller, more lush appearance, often compared to a peony or rose. 'Dancing Queen' and 'White Nymph' are popular examples.

What Is the Difference Between Amaryllis and Hippeastrum?

Technically, Amaryllis and Hippeastrum are two different genera of plants. The true Amaryllis genus has only one species, Amaryllis belladonna (Belladonna Lily), from South Africa. The plants we commonly buy as amaryllis bulbs for indoor flowering are actually from the Hippeastrum genus from South America. The common name 'amaryllis' is now widely accepted for Hippeastrum.

Jim Ng

Owner of Singapore Florist

Jim Ng is the owner of Singapore Florist, the boutique flower studio first opened in 1987 by its founding family. Jim and his team acquired Singapore Florist from the original owners with one promise: keep the craft, keep the customer relationships, and modernise everything else. Today the studio works out of Eunos Techpark, ships fresh stems islandwide, and has grown its review base past 195 verified Google reviews.

This article is part of an ongoing, well-researched flower-care library written by the Singapore Florist team, drawing on nearly four decades of hands-on bouquet design, daily delivery experience, and direct relationships with growers across Asia. If you spot anything we have missed or have a specific flower question, WhatsApp us directly and we will weave the answer into a future post.