An amaryllis is always waiting to delight and surprise you, even when your world seems cold and dark. - Susan Meissner
Every winter I plant and cultivate amaryllis bulbs for their exquisite beauty and ease of growing. My amaryllis season begins in early November, when I buy bulbs that will bloom by late December. These beautiful plants, native to South Africa and South America, have large bulbs that are easy to find at garden centers as well as on many online websites starting in the fall.
There is a great variety of amaryllis bulbs from which to choose. Some produce flowers that have single petals, while others have enormous double petals. There is an especially beautiful amaryllis known as Nymph with many layers of lush petals. Another amaryllis, the Cybister, has a flower of a different shape, with long thin petals that look like a star.
With such variety, you can create a spectacular display of amaryllis blooms of many shapes and colors. By spacing out the dates when you plant the bulbs, you can have blooms from December through March.
Plant Amaryllis in the Fall
Once I pot the first bulbs in early November, I water them about once a week, touching the soil first to see how dry it is. When growth begins, I check the soil more frequently. If it is still dry, I water a little more, but not too much. I know that with good soil, fertilizer, water and bright sunlight, the bulbs will always "wake up." At first, it seems like nothing is happening, but after a few weeks, a tiny green tip will appear at the top. That shows the growth is beginning.
My indoor garden takes at least two months to produce flowers, but it is always worth the wait, as these beauties fill my conservatory with their charm, color and very large blooms that can sometimes be eight inches across! My anticipation of seeing the amaryllis plants bloom goes on for weeks, until one day, they are fully opened and perfect.
The Flowers Appear
The growth of the amaryllis fascinates me, starting with the large bulb from which small green shoots emerge, to the tall, thick green stalk and handsome curved leaves that spill out over the pot. The final act is the slow opening of the flower. It is a magical experience watching an amaryllis grow from a bare bulb to a flower with large, delicate petals.
As the stalk rises, I can see the formation of the flower tucked inside the leaves of the bud. When the morning light illuminates the bud, I study its graceful shape. Once the bud opens, four flowers appear. Each day they spread and get bigger. Fully open, the flowers will hold their shape for several days. After the first blooms fade, a second stalk appears with more buds. This floral display can continue for several weeks.
The word "amaryllis" is from an ancient Greek verb, amarysso, meaning to sparkle or shine. How appropriate! It is a joyful experience to see these exquisite flowers on a cold, snowy day.
Judith Canty Graves is an award-winning columnist with a home garden in Asheville. Follow @TheObservantGardener on Instagram to see new garden photos daily. This article appears in The Laurel of Asheville.