Amaryllis flowers are bold, tall, and beautiful; often stealing the show during the winter holidays. But what if you love their dramatic flair and want that same beauty throughout the year? The good news is that there are plenty of surprising flowers that look like amaryllis, even if they technically belong to different families.
Whether you’re after garden showstoppers or striking indoor plants, this list introduces you to elegant look-alikes that offer a similar shape, size, and colour range – minus the label.
What Makes Amaryllis So Striking?
The amaryllis bloom is instantly recognisable. With its tall, leafless stem and trumpet-shaped petals, it brings height, volume, and colour to any space. Most of the “amaryllis” bulbs sold in stores are actually hippeastrum, which produce those big red or pink blooms we see around Christmas. True amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna), meanwhile, is known as the “naked lady” lily because it flowers before the leaves even appear.
No matter which one you’ve seen, their look is iconic. If you want to mimic that appeal in other seasons, here are some unexpected alternatives.
Look-Alike Blooms That Might Fool You
Crinum Lily
Crinum lilies are tall and dramatic, just like amaryllis. Their large, star-shaped blooms have curved petals and often appear in white or soft pink shades. These tropical beauties are excellent for outdoor gardens in warmer areas and offer a similar architectural presence. From afar, flowers that look like lilies often resemble crinum or amaryllis due to their petal shape and size.
Daylilies
Daylilies aren’t true lilies, but their flower form is incredibly close. They grow in clumps and send up long stalks topped with trumpet-like flowers. Each bloom only lasts a day (hence the name), but the plant produces many buds to keep the show going. Perfect for casual gardens or borders, daylilies give that amaryllis feel with half the maintenance.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus, also known as “sword lilies,” grow from bulbs and send up vertical spikes covered in bright, ruffled flowers. Their petal structure and height echo that of amaryllis. They’re also great cut flowers and can hold their own in tall vases or dramatic floral arrangements.
Oriental and Asiatic Lilies
These lilies are crowd-pleasers for good reason. Oriental lilies are fragrant and lush, while Asiatic lilies offer bold colour and upright growth. Their open blooms and trumpet shape give serious amaryllis vibes. Plus, they’re easy to grow and look stunning in beds, borders, or pots.
Belladonna Lily (True Amaryllis)
This is the real amaryllis – not the holiday hippeastrum you see in stores. Native to South Africa, belladonna lilies bloom in late summer with no foliage. Their pale pink blooms appear on leafless stalks, just like their close cousins, and they add a soft, romantic feel to any garden.
How to Pick the Right Amaryllis Alternative
When choosing your flower, think about your needs. Do you want something low-maintenance? Scented? Long-lasting? Will it live indoors or out?
Here are a few things to consider:
- Sunlight: Gladiolus and daylilies love full sun, while lilies can do well in partial shade.
- Space: Crinum lilies grow large, so they need room to thrive.
- Fragrance: Oriental lilies and belladonna have strong scents, while Asiatic lilies are more subtle.
- Seasonality: Some of these bloom in summer, others in spring, giving you options all year long.
If you want to take care of fresh flowers, place them in cool water, trim stems at an angle, and avoid direct sunlight or heating vents.
Where to Find Them
Most garden centres stock these amaryllis look-alikes in bulb or potted form during planting seasons. Online plant shops and flower markets also offer them, especially if you’re looking for rare varieties.
Buying flowers from florists can also be a smart choice. Why buying flowers beats DIY comes down to freshness, expert care, and quality you can trust. Plus, they can guide you on care tips and help match the right flowers to your taste.
Want to use these flowers in arrangements or outdoor displays? Go bold with these styling ideas:
- Mix lilies with gladiolus: Combine for height and texture in both garden beds and vase arrangements.
- Plant daylilies along walkways: Their soft, flowing colours add charm and movement to paths or borders.
- Use tall glass vases: Great for showing off long stems and trumpet-shaped blooms indoors.
- Opt for classic ceramic pots: These provide a timeless look that complements bold, colourful flowers.
- Create cheerful bouquets: Combine look-alike flowers to craft arrangements that uplift and soothe.
- Keep in mind the healing power of flowers: Studies show they boost mood, reduce anxiety, and brighten any space, making your arrangements meaningful, not just beautiful.
Styling Tips for Amaryllis-Inspired Blooms
Want to use these flowers in arrangements or outdoor displays? Go bold. Mix lilies with gladiolus for height and texture. Use daylilies along walkways for soft, flowing colour. And for vase arrangements, tall glass containers or classic ceramic pots let the flower petal shape shine.
If you're building a bouquet to cheer someone up, don’t forget the healing power of flowers. Studies show they boost mood, reduce anxiety, and brighten up any space, making your floral choices more than just decorative.
Conclusion on Flowers That Look Like Amaryllis
Amaryllis may be a winter favourite, but it's not the only flower with elegance and height. From crinum to gladiolus and beyond, many flowers look like amaryllis, each with its own charm and season. Whether you want a cut flower bouquet or a garden staple, the options are as stunning as they are varied.
The Daily Blooms is here to help you explore these alternatives with confidence. Get in touch with us and let us help you find blooms that make every day a little brighter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Like Amaryllis
What Are Some Common Flowers That Look Like Amaryllis?
Crinum lilies, gladiolus, daylilies, and true belladonna lilies all resemble amaryllis in shape, colour, or height.
How Do You Take Care Of a Fresh Flower Bouquet At Home?
Trim stems, use clean water, change it every few days, and keep the bouquet away from direct heat or sunlight to keep it fresh longer.
Why Buying Flowers Beats DIY?
Buying from florists ensures high-quality blooms, expert arrangement, and less stress. Plus, it supports local businesses and offers longer-lasting flowers.
Are There Any Flowers That Look Like Lilies But Aren’t?
Yes! Amaryllis, daylilies, and crinum lilies all share similar petal shapes and sizes to traditional lilies.
What Is The Healing Power Of Flowers?
Flowers are known to improve mood, reduce stress, and create a calming atmosphere—both visually and emotionally.
