While both Amaryllis and Nerine belong to the larger Amaryllidaceae family, they are distinct genera. This is the most fundamental difference. True Amaryllis refers to plants in the genus Amaryllis. For American gardeners, the most significant species is Amaryllis belladonna, commonly known as the Belladonna Lily or Naked Lady. On the other hand, Nerine refers to plants in the genus Nerine, with Nerine bowdenii being the most common and cold-hardy species cultivated. It is crucial to note that the large-flowered bulbs sold in the United States around the holidays, often called "amaryllis," are almost always cultivars of the genus Hippeastrum. This discussion focuses on the true Amaryllis belladonna for a clear comparison with Nerine.
The flowers of these two plants, while similarly lily-shaped, have distinct characteristics. Amaryllis belladonna produces large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. Each flower stalk (scape) typically bears a cluster of 10-12 individual pink flowers, all facing roughly the same direction. The petals are more fused at the base, creating a pronounced trumpet shape. In contrast, Nerine bowdenii flowers are slightly smaller and have a more delicate, refined appearance. The most striking difference is that Nerine petals are often recurved (curved backwards), giving the flowers a spidery or lily-like look. The petals are also usually more glossy and shimmer with a silky sheen. The flower heads are umbels containing 5-10 flowers, which tend to face outwards in all directions.
The growth cycle and foliage presentation are key identifiers for gardeners. Amaryllis belladonna is deciduous and has a very specific growth pattern. In spring, it produces a large clump of strap-shaped, green leaves. These leaves photosynthesize through the spring and then completely die back and disappear by early summer. The flower stalks emerge from the bare ground in late summer or early autumn, hence the common name "Naked Lady." Nerine bowdenii, however, has a different rhythm. It is also deciduous, but its foliage emerges either alongside the flower stalk in late summer/autumn or very shortly after the flowers have faded. The leaves persist through the winter and spring, dying back the following summer. This means Nerine provides garden interest with its green, strap-like leaves during the colder months when the Amaryllis bulb is completely dormant and bare.
For American gardeners, understanding the cold tolerance of each plant is vital for success. Amaryllis belladonna is best suited for gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. It can tolerate brief cold spells but may suffer in regions with harsh, wet winters. It thrives in a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. Nerine bowdenii is generally considered slightly more cold-hardy, reliably perennial in zones 7-10 but often surviving with protection in zone 6b. A critical cultural requirement for both, especially Nerine, is excellent drainage. They are ideal for sunny, well-drained slopes or rock gardens. Nerine, in particular, is known for flowering more prolifically when its "neck" (the top of the bulb) is baked in hot sun during the summer dormancy period.
The physical structure of the bulbs also differs. Amaryllis belladonna bulbs are very large, often the size of a grapefruit, with a distinct neck. They produce offsets freely, gradually forming large clumps. When planting, the neck of the bulb should be at or just above the soil surface. Nerine bowdenii bulbs are generally smaller and have a very long neck. They are best planted with the neck fully exposed above the soil line. Nerine bulbs resent being disturbed and can take a year or two to settle in and flower after being transplanted, whereas Amaryllis belladonna tends to establish and multiply more quickly.
