The large amaryllis family is home to a we alth of magnificent species and varieties that look very similar to a knight's star. Get to know floral doppelgangers here with information about their flowering times and differentiating characteristics.
Which plants are similar to amaryllis?
Plants that resemble amaryllis include African lilies (Agapanthus), hook lilies and nerines. They belong to the amaryllis family and have similar flowers and heights. Their flowering times, however, vary from summer to autumn.
African lilies – flower beauties on a par with the knight’s star
African lilies stand out in the flower bed with huge flower heads made of colorful star blossoms. We have compiled the outstanding attributes of this magnificent Agapanthus genus within the Amaryllis family for you below:
- Onion plant native to South Africa
- Flowering period from July to September
- Growth heights from 50 to 100 cm
- Spherical flowers, composed of numerous star blossoms
- Deciduous varieties are hardy down to -10 degrees Celsius
- Evergreen African lilies do not tolerate frost
Similar to the knight's star, African lilies are poisonous in all parts. We therefore particularly recommend that you wear protective gloves when carrying out care and planting work.
Hooked lilies are colorful in the summer garden
Thanks to successful crosses, the floral splendor of amaryllis plants is not limited to winter. To enjoy the royal flowers in summer, hooked lilies are a reliable option. The following overview provides you with similarities and differences to the Ritterstern:
- Very long-lasting bulb flower from South Africa
- Flowering period from June/July to August/September
- Lily-like scented flowers up to 15 cm long
- Strap-like, rich green leaves 80 to 100 cm long
- Growth heights from 100 to 120 cm
In mild wine-growing regions, hook lilies can overwinter in the bed, provided you take appropriate precautions.
Nerine inspire as delicate autumn bloomers
To decorate your green kingdom with amaryllis and similar plants all year round, the delicate nerines act as decorative autumn flowers. Explore the typical features here:
- Small amaryllis from South Africa
- Flowering period from September to November
- Fragrant flowers with 6 outwardly curved petals
- Growth heights from 30 to 40 cm
Similar to the garden amaryllis, the Nerine has the potential to overwinter outdoors in mild winter locations. Where this requirement is not met, we recommend cultivating in a bucket to put it away before the first frost.
Tip
A flower genus comes from a completely different family of plants, which at first glance cannot be distinguished from the knight's star. If majestic white funnel flowers unfold in the summer garden and exude an intoxicating scent, it is a Madonna lily (Lilium candidum). While the white amaryllis delights us in winter, lilies decorate the early summer flowerbed.
