Amaryllis belladonna brings scent and color to the garden when it is least expected. After its leaves die back in midsummer, it sends up a bare, 18-inch tall stalk topped with fragrant, pink, trumpet-shaped flowers, earning it the common name of naked ladies. It is a drought-tolerant plant native to South Africa, great for hot, dry spots in the garden. It is long blooming and attractive to butterflies. Try it among primroses or late-season bloomers such as asters. It thrives in full sun in well-drained soil and is extremely drought tolerant. When planting, incorporate bulb fertilizer into the soil for healthy and vigorous growth. In colder areas, its bulbs should be planted 6 inches deep to protect them from frost. Once established, it thrives on neglect and is extremely long-lived. Deadhead the leaves as they die back. Mark the location of the bulb during the dormant season to avoid accidental damage.
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