7 Beautiful Flowers That Look Like Amaryllis

The amaryllis is a truly magnificent flower, known for its large, dramatic blooms and tall, elegant stem. Its presence can brighten any room, especially during festive seasons here in Singapore. But did you know there is a whole family of beautiful flowers that share its stunning trumpet shape and commanding presence? 

This guide will introduce you to some lovely amaryllis alternatives. We will explore flowers that look like amaryllis, helping you discover new favourites for your home, garden, or as the perfect floral gift for a loved one.

Now, let's delve into the beautiful world of flowers that share the grace and form of the amaryllis. Each has its own personality and charm, offering wonderful new options for your floral arrangements and home decor.

1. Lilies (Lilium)

Lilies are perhaps the most well-known and beloved amaryllis look-alike. Certain types, like the grand Oriental Lilies or elegant Trumpet Lilies, boast large, open-faced flowers with a similar flared shape. A key difference is that lilies grow on a leafy stem, unlike the bare stalk of a Hippeastrum. Their leaves are arranged all the way up the stem, adding a lush green backdrop to the colourful blooms.

Lilies offer an incredible spectrum of colours, including pristine whites, soft pinks, vibrant yellows, deep oranges, and dramatic reds. Many varieties also feature beautiful freckles or contrasting edges. One of the most enchanting features of lilies is their fragrance. 

A bouquet of Oriental Lilies can fill an entire room with a sweet, captivating scent, a quality not found in most Hippeastrum varieties. For care in a vase, simply trim the stems and change the water every two days. In Singapore, lilies are a classic and elegant choice for bouquets that convey sophistication and heartfelt emotion.

2. Clivia (Clivia miniata)

Clivia, also known as the Bush Lily, is a fantastic alternative, especially for those who appreciate lush foliage. It produces a large cluster, or umbel, of 15-20 trumpet-shaped flowers at the top of a thick stem. While the individual flowers are smaller than a Hippeastrum bloom, their collective impact is just as stunning. The most common colour is a vibrant, warm orange, but you can also find them in soft yellow and cream.

Unlike amaryllis, which has leaves that die back, Clivia has beautiful, dark green, strap-like leaves that remain year-round. This makes it a very attractive houseplant even when it is not in bloom. It grows from fleshy roots rather than a true bulb and is remarkably easy to care for in Singapore’s indoor environment. 

It prefers a shady spot away from direct sunlight and actually flowers best when its roots are slightly crowded in its pot. It is a resilient and rewarding plant that brings a touch of tropical elegance to any home.

3. Crinum Lily (Crinum)

For those with a garden or a sunny balcony, the Crinum Lily is a spectacular choice. These are large, robust plants that produce impressive clusters of amaryllis-like flowers. The blooms are often fragrant and can be quite large, with some varieties having long, spidery petals that give them a unique and dramatic look.

Crinum Lilies typically come in shades of pure white, soft pink, or deep rose. They thrive in the warm and humid climate of Singapore, making them a perfect addition to a tropical garden. They grow from enormous bulbs and require plenty of space, sunlight, and moist soil to flourish. Once established, they are reliable bloomers that produce a truly magnificent show, proving to be a statement piece in any outdoor space. Their sheer size and architectural form make them a true garden showstopper.

4. Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis belladonna)

This is the "true amaryllis" we mentioned earlier. Also known as the Naked Lady Lily, it has a fascinating growth habit. It sends up bare, purplish stems in late summer, which then erupt into clusters of fragrant, pink, trumpet-shaped flowers. The long, strap-like leaves only appear after the flowers have faded, which is why it earned its unusual nickname.

The flowers of the Belladonna Lily are slightly more delicate and smaller than those of a Hippeastrum, but they are incredibly beautiful and emit a sweet, pleasant fragrance. 

They grow from bulbs and are a wonderful sight in the garden, seemingly appearing from nowhere. They prefer a spot with plenty of sun and well-drained soil. While less common in Singapore than Hippeastrum, they are a treasure for any plant collector who appreciates their unique charm and history.

5. Nerine (Nerine bowdenii)

Nerine lilies, sometimes called Guernsey Lilies or Spider Lilies, are a more delicate and sparkling alternative. They produce clusters of flowers on leafless stems, similar to the Belladonna Lily. Each flower has long, slender petals that curve backwards, creating an elegant, almost ethereal appearance. What makes them truly special is that the petals of many varieties seem to be dusted with gold or silver, shimmering beautifully in the light.

The most common colour is a vibrant, shocking pink, but they also come in shades of white, red, and orange. They are perfect for adding a splash of late-season colour to gardens and pots. 

In Singapore, they should be planted in a location that gets plenty of morning sun and has excellent drainage. Their refined beauty and unique sparkle make them a sophisticated choice for both gardens and floral arrangements.

6. Amazon Lily (Eucharis grandiflora)

The Amazon Lily is an exquisite flower that combines the best features of several plants. Its blooms are a beautiful, pure white and have a shape reminiscent of a daffodil, with a central cup surrounded by flared petals. They grow in clusters of three to six flowers atop a long stem and possess a delightful, clean fragrance.

What makes the Amazon Lily an exceptional choice for Singapore is its love for shade and humidity, making it a perfect indoor plant. It has broad, glossy, dark green leaves that are very attractive on their own, ensuring it looks good all year round. It grows from a bulb and will flower periodically throughout the year when it is happy. 

To care for it, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and place it in a spot with bright, indirect light. Its elegant white blooms and lovely scent can bring a sense of peaceful sophistication to any indoor space.

7. Aztec Lily (Sprekelia formosissima)

For those who want something truly unique and dramatic, the Aztec Lily is an incredible option. This flower has a truly exotic form that looks more like a vibrant orchid than a typical amaryllis. It produces a single, large flower on a leafless stalk, just like a Hippeastrum. However, its petals are a deep, velvety crimson and are arranged in a wild, irregular shape, with upper petals standing erect and lower ones cascading downwards.

This flower is a conversation starter. It grows from a bulb and is surprisingly easy to cultivate. It needs full sun and well-draining soil, making it well-suited for growing in a pot on a sunny balcony in Singapore. Its striking, fiery appearance makes it a perfect choice for someone looking for a flower with a bold personality and a touch of the exotic.

Understanding the Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) Profile

Before we explore the wonderful alternatives, it is helpful to understand what makes the flower we call amaryllis so special. This knowledge will help you better appreciate the unique qualities of its look-alikes.

What Makes an Amaryllis Stand Out?

The flower commonly sold in Singapore as amaryllis is prized for several key features. It grows from a large bulb, sending up a thick, hollow, and leafless stalk known as a scape. At the top of this stalk, two to six very large, trumpet-shaped flowers burst open, creating a spectacular display. 

They come in a variety of colours, from deep reds and pure whites to pinks, oranges, and striped varieties. In many homes, these flowers are a symbol of pride, strength, and radiant beauty, making them a popular choice for celebrations.

Is Hippeastrum the Same as Amaryllis?

This is a point that often confuses even seasoned plant lovers. The plants we buy and grow in pots, famous for their huge indoor blooms, are technically from the genus Hippeastrum. The true Amaryllis genus contains only one species, Amaryllis belladonna, which originates from South Africa.

While they look similar and belong to the same plant family (Amaryllidaceae), they are different plants. For clarity, we will refer to the common houseplant as Hippeastrum (or commercial amaryllis) and the true amaryllis as Amaryllis belladonna or Belladonna Lily. This distinction helps in understanding the subtle differences among the flowers we will explore.

How to Choose the Right Amaryllis Alternative

With so many lovely options, choosing the right one depends on your needs. If you are looking for a stunning bouquet with a beautiful scent, Lilies are an unbeatable classic choice. For a long-lasting and easy-care indoor plant that provides year-round greenery, Clivia and the Amazon Lily are perfect. 

They thrive in the indoor conditions of a typical Singaporean home. If you have an outdoor garden or a spacious balcony, the magnificent Crinum Lily will provide a grand, tropical display. For something truly unique and exotic, the unusual shape of the Aztec Lily or the sparkling petals of the Nerine will surely impress.

Caring for Your Amaryllis-Like Flowers in a Bouquet

To get the longest life from your beautiful cut flowers, here are some flower care tips. Proper care ensures you can enjoy their beauty for as long as possible.

• Step 1: Unpack Immediately: As soon as your bouquet arrives, carefully remove it from its packaging.
• Step 2: Trim the Stems: Use a sharp knife or clean floral shears to cut about 2-3 cm off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This helps the flowers absorb water more effectively.
• Step 3: Use a Clean Vase: Make sure your vase is sparkling clean. Any lingering bacteria can shorten the life of your flowers.
• Step 4: Provide Fresh Water: Fill the vase with cool, fresh water. If your bouquet came with a packet of flower food, add it now as this will nourish the blooms and keep the water clean.
• Step 5: Find the Right Spot: Place your vase in a cool area away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or ripening fruit, as these can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely.
• Step 6: Maintain Daily: For the best results, change the water completely every one to two days. You can also re-trim the stems slightly each time to help with water uptake.

Conclusion On Flowers That Look Like Amaryllis

While the classic amaryllis, or Hippeastrum, is a stunning flower in its own right, the world of floral look-alikes is rich with beauty and variety. From the fragrant elegance of Lilies to the hardy and lush Clivia, there is a trumpet-shaped flower to suit every taste and home. 

Exploring these alternatives allows you to enjoy different colours, scents, and forms throughout the year. Each of these flowers offers its own unique charm, proving that there is always something new and beautiful to discover in the world of flowers. We hope this guide inspires you to find the perfect amaryllis alternative for your next floral arrangement.

If you have any questions or would like to order a beautiful bouquet for yourself or a loved one, please contact us. 

Visit Singapore Florist to find beautiful flowers and bouquets for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Like Amaryllis

What Flower Is Mistaken for Amaryllis?

The most common flower mistaken for amaryllis is the Lily, especially varieties like Oriental or Trumpet Lilies, due to their large, trumpet-shaped blooms. Clivia is also sometimes confused with amaryllis because of its similar flower shape and growth in clusters.

What Is the Difference Between a Lily and an Amaryllis?

The main differences are in their stems and growth. An amaryllis (Hippeastrum) has a thick, hollow, leafless stalk. A lily has a sturdy, leafy stem with leaves growing all the way up to the flowers. Additionally, many lilies are highly fragrant, while most amaryllis varieties have no scent.

What Is Another Name for Amaryllis Flower?

The flower we commonly call amaryllis is botanically known as Hippeastrum. The name Hippeastrum is derived from Greek words meaning "horseman's star." The true amaryllis is a different plant called Amaryllis belladonna, also known as the Belladonna Lily or Naked Lady.

Is Hippeastrum the Same as Amaryllis?

No, they are not the same, although they are related and look similar. Hippeastrum is the genus of the large-flowered bulbs typically grown indoors as houseplants. Amaryllis is a separate genus with only one species, Amaryllis belladonna. The common name "amaryllis" is widely used for Hippeastrum, which causes the confusion.

Are There Different Types of Amaryllis?

Yes, there are many types of Hippeastrum (the common amaryllis). They are often categorised by their flower size and shape, such as Large-Flowering, Double-Flowering, Trumpet, and Spider (Cybister) varieties. They come in hundreds of different colours and patterns.

What Do You Do With an Amaryllis After It Blooms?

After an amaryllis (Hippeastrum) has finished blooming, cut the flower stalk off about 3-5 cm above the bulb, but do not cut the leaves. Continue to water the plant and place it in a sunny window. The leaves will gather energy for next year's blooms. You can care for it as a houseplant.