Amaryllis: “Queen Of The Flowering Bulbs”

DESIGN | by DEBRA PRINZING

WINTER’S NEARLY HERE AND I’M ALREADY PINING for summer’s over-the-top floral displays. Thankfully, I can grow my own botanical explosion indoors with an amaryllis or two.

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The amaryllis (Hippeastrum sp.) originated in South America’s tropical regions and produces sensuous, trumpet-like blooms on stately green stalks ― all from a bulb the size of a softball. Its oversized petals range from pale cream to yummy shades of pink, coral and red, and even striped and multihued varieties. Sophisticated and fashionable, the amaryllis is also easy to grow. Plant bulbs indoors about six to eight weeks before the holidays and enjoy the colorful blooms and light fragrance throughout the season.

While costly ($5 to $12 per bulb), the amaryllis is worth the price. Around mid-November, I pot up several. First, I decorate or paint terracotta flowerpots in festive colors. Then I fill each container with potting soil and an amaryllis bulb, and top it with Spanish moss. Add a ribbon to make it the perfect hostess gift.

Other planting tips:

• Choose a container that’s 1 to 3 inches wider in diameter than the bulb itself. The bulb should fit snugly when soil is added. Tall or square containers can handle the scale of the top-heavy amaryllis. Make sure the vessel has a drainage hole.
• Use nutritious potting soil such as bulb mix. Plant the amaryllis bulb up to its “neck” in the soil; press soil firmly to secure the bulb in place.
• Put potted bulbs in a warm place with direct light (since heat is necessary for the development of stems). Ideally room temperatures should be 68 to 70 degrees. Water sparingly until the stem appears; as the bud and leaves grow, gradually water more frequently.

P.S.: The amaryllis is a great alternative to red poinsettias!