Since 1987, the knight's star has been assigned to an independent genus called Hippeastrum, with more than 80 species. Until then, botanists categorized the magnificent winter bloomer as part of the Amaryllis genus. The name amaryllis remains popular for the knight's star to this day. This confusion of names does not detract from the breathtaking effect of its most beautiful varieties.
Which amaryllis varieties are particularly beautiful?
Popular amaryllis varieties include the bright red Ferrari, Benfica and Magnum, the snow-white Alfesco, Amadeus and Jewel as well as the double flowers of the Double Delicious, Pretty Nymph and Sweet Nymph. Arctic Nymph, Cherry Nymph and Exotic Nymph are ideal for forcing in the glass.
Classic in bright red
In the middle of winter, the sight of the following varieties with their giant red flowers warms our hearts.
- Ferrari: Exuberantly and reliably blooming in a pot on the winter windowsill
- Benfica: Award-winning knight's star with dark red, majestic flowers
- Magnum: This blood-red amaryllis lives up to its name in terms of flower size
Floral ice queens in snow white
The following hybrids are not just the first choice for winter bridal bouquets. Let these Amaryllis varieties take you into a white flower fairytale:
- Alfesco: The enchanting variety boasts pure white, lushly filled flower stars
- Amadeus: The white winter beauty enchants with delicate, pink flower tips
- Jewel: A half-double treasure whose white flowers exude a spicy scent
Stunning hybrids with double flowers
At first glance, it is no longer apparent that the following hybrids come from wild species, such as Hippeastrum vittatum or Hippeastrum aulicum. Nevertheless, they have largely retained their robust constitution.
- Double Delicious: The light red, double flowers are given a special kick with delicate white stripes
- Pretty Nymph: The variety highlight impresses with double flowers whose leaves curl in a distinctive way
- Sweet Nymph: pink and white novelty from the best breeder of double species, Ton Peter van Nieuwkerk
The best varieties for forcing in a glass
While a majestic knight's star with a height of 60 cm cannot survive in a glass, the following stocky species are ideal candidates for forcing:
- Arctic Nymph: With a growth height of 30-40 cm, this white-flowering variety stands out in the glass
- Cherry Nymph: The cherry-red flowers rise on up to 3 flower stalks that reach a maximum length of 35 cm
- Exotic Nymph: A flower dream in creamy white and peach for successful knight star driving
Tip
If you cannot plant a freshly purchased Ritterstern straight away, do not store the bulb too warm. At temperatures between a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 9 degrees Celsius, the flowering ability remains for several weeks.
