b'2023 NATIONAL GARDEN BUREAUS YEAR OF CROPS YEAR OF THE AMARYLLISOrigin: Hippeastrum bulbs are native to Central and South America.Family: AmaryllidaceaeOther Names: HippeastrumTotal Species: There are over 90 species and 600 cultivars of Hippeastrum bulbs. History: Typically used as gifts for the holiday, Hippeastrum bulbs are native primarily in tropical and subtropical regions in two main areas of eastern Brazil and central southern Andes, but can be found as far north as Mexico and the West Indies. Breeding began in England in 1799, and those new hybrids were cultivated in the U.S. by the mid-nineteenth century. Most flowers today have been developed by breeders mainly in the Netherlands, South Africa, U.S., Japan and Israel, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.Dont Be Confused: Though most flowers we see are actually the Hippeastrum bulbs, real Amaryllis bulbs are native to South Africa with only one species, Amaryllis belladonna (also known as Naked Ladies).Noteworthy Stats: The U.S. imports more than 100 million amaryllis bulbs each year.Basic Variety Types: There are typically three types of amaryllis to choose fromsingle flower, double flower and hybrid amaryllis.Popular Varieties: Single Flower Varieties: Double Flower Varieties: Hybrid Varieties:Barbados Dancing Queen BogotaGervase Marilyn EvergreenPicoteeRed LionName Origin: In Greek, the word amaryllis means to sparkle. Did You Know?: With proper care, an amaryllis plant can live for 75 years. Breeders: Dutch Grown, Earl May, Park Seed, Rohrer Seeds, Gurneys, Brecks, American Meadows, Burpee, Gardeners Supply Company, Eden Brothers, Monrovia, Jung Seed, Brent and BeckysSources: National Garden Bureau38/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2023'