Some botanists believe that the Portuguese probably brought the bulb of the amaryllis to Europe around the early 16th century. Portugal, Spain, and Italy were among the first European countries to introduce the amaryllis belladonna, as explorers from these countries would return home with tons of new discoveries in an effort to please the wealthy patrons who paid for their world-wide expeditions. The discovery of amaryllis belladonna in places like the Canary Islands and Madeira theorizes that its importation may have paralleled the history of the sugar cane trade as well as the slave trade. Amaryllis belladonna arrived in England around the early 18th century. 

The genus name “Amaryllis” comes from the Greek word “amarysso,” which means “to sparkle.” In Greek mythology, it was the name of a shepherdess who shed her own blood to prove her true love, and in doing so inspired the name of this lovely bloom. 

Throughout the 18th century, amaryllis bulbs were actually labeled as lilies, which explains many of their common names today. In South Africa, it is known as the March lily; in the United Kingdom, it’s the belladonna lily or the Jersey lily; and in Italy, it’s known as the Madonna lily. The Portuguese name of the amaryllis means “St. Joseph’s Staff” in reference to the legend of the staff of St. Joseph bursting into bloom as a sign of his selection as the spouse of the Virgin Mary.  

German botanist Eduard Friedrich Poeppig spent much of his time in Chile where he discovered the amaryllis hippeastrum growing on a hillside during one of his many plant-hunting expeditions in 1828. 

In terms of hybridizing, some took place concerning the amaryllis belladonna in Australia during the middle of the 19th century. A cross between Amaryllis belladonna and brunsvigia took place at Campden Park Estate, also known as the home of Sir William Macarthur, an Australian botanist, and viticulturist. Brunsvigia multiflora and amaryllis multiflora were among the hybrid results. Today they go by x Amarygia. 

We know, you’re probably wondering about Christmas Amaryllis! Well, Holland is a major grower and exporter of amaryllis, which usually increases in demand around the holiday season due to its festive variety of colors. Dutch and South African varieties include bright red, pink, and white blooms. [2]