Amaryllis Sonatini Graffiti – Papilio-style blooms brushed with red 💚
Meet Amaryllis sonatini Graffiti – a compact, true bulb that bursts into lime-green, Papilio-style flowers feathered with elegant red stripes. In South African gardens it shines from early summer right through the festive season, bringing joy, colour and a touch of theatre to beds, borders and pots. 🌞🎄
Why gardeners love Graffiti
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Sophisticated colour – fresh green petals with fine red pinstripes; it looks designer-made. 🎨
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Summer star – flowers October–February in SA, right when you entertain outside.
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Compact and sturdy – to about 40 cm; perfect for containers, courtyards and small spaces.
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Fast gratification – visible growth within weeks; blooms soon after planting.
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Reliable perennial – rests in winter, then returns each spring with renewed energy.
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Effortless to grow – forgiving of different soils and heat; ideal for beginners. 🌿
Where it thrives (SA conditions)
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Sun: Full sun to semi-shade (morning sun with light afternoon shade works beautifully).
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Soil: Well-drained is key; anything from light sand to heavier loam works if drainage is good.
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Climate: Loves our summer rainfall and warmth; keep dry during winter dormancy.
Planting window
How to plant (quick start)
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Choose a pot with large drainage holes or a free-draining garden spot.
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Enrich soil with compost; add coarse sand or fine gravel if heavy.
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Depth: Set the bulb with the neck above the soil.
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Spacing: 10 cm apart if planting multiples.
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Water once to settle. Then wait 10 days for roots to establish. ✅
Watering made simple
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In the ground: After the first 10 days, water every 3–4 days for about 10 minutes.
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In containers: Water every 2–3 days until it runs from the base. Empty saucers after 30 minutes.
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Keep soil lightly moist during active growth (September–April). Reduce in May and keep almost dry during dormancy (May–August).
Feeding & further care
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Feed weekly with Hadeco Bulb Food until March to fuel repeat blooms.
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Continue light watering into April, then pause for winter rest.
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Leave bulbs in place, or lift in June once foliage yellows and collapses.
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If lifting, store cool, dark and dry (a cupboard or garage is perfect). Clean away old brown leaves at winter’s end and replant.
Great for
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Elegant patio pots, poolside displays and sunny windows.
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Festive table arrangements over December.
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Gifting – the “Christmas flower” that returns each year. 🎁
Botanical bits
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Common name: amaryllis, Christmas flower
Sun exposure: Full sun and semi-shade
Planting time: September – January
Flowering time: October - February
Active growth: September - April
Dormant: May – August
Lifting time: June
Type: True bulb
Mature height: 40cm
Planting depth: Plant with the neck above the soil
Plant spacing: 10cm apart
Watering: After planting, water and then wait 10 days for the roots to stabilise. Thereafter, water every 3-4 days when planted in the ground for 10 minutes. If you have planted them in containers, water every 2-3 days, until water runs out from the bottom of the container. Empty saucers 30 minutes after watering.
Position and soil
Amaryllis is one of the easiest plants to grow. It produces gorgeous blooms in just a few weeks after planting. They are happy in well-draining soil, but tolerate a variety of soils, ranging from heavy loam to light sand.
Further Care
Feed weekly with Hadeco Bulb Food until March. Watering should continue into April and can come to a halt from May. Bulbs can remain in the soil or be lifted once the foliage is yellow and has wilted. If you choose to lift, store them in cool and dry places (a dark cupboard or garage will do) and then at the end of winter it can be cleaned of old brown foliage and replanted in the garden or pots.
