Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.)

            Folks are decorating for the holidays at this time of year and casting about for gifts to give friends and neighbors. Why not choose an amaryllis bulb that will give years of beauty? Amaryllis bulbs are in garden centers now waiting to be purchased. Convenient kits that contain a single bulb, a pot, and a small bag of soil are perfect for gift-giving.

            Follow directions on the box for planting the amaryllis. Be sure that the soil is well-drained, but keep a close eye and don’t let it dry out. Bloom scapes (stalks) may appear first, or foliage may precede the scape. The scape will grow tall, and four or more large flowers can be expected to bloom on each scape. As individual florets fade, remove them and let the rest of the florets open. After all have faded, cut off the scape 2" or so above the bulb. Sometimes a second scape will rise. 

            From the time growth begins, feed with a weak liquid fertilizer when watering, about every two weeks. Continue watering and fertilizing after bloom to make strong foliage to feed next year’s flowers.  When the foliage dies down, turn the pot on its side and let the plant go dormant for several months. Then repeat the growing process. Treated in this manner, the bulb will flower for many years. Bulbs like to be potbound. Repot every three or four years, but top dress with fresh soil every season.

Amaryllis in the Garden

            Some will wish to plant their amaryllis outside in the garden after it blooms. Choose a sunny place, but one that is protected from hot afternoon sun. Amaryllis bulbs thrive in well-drained, loose soil that has been enriched with organic matter. Bonemeal should be scratched in the top few inches of the soil. Plant the amaryllis bulbs about 12 inches apart with the neck of the bulb above the soil level, and water in thoroughly. Mulch to conserve moisture and to help control weeds.

            Water and feed well throughout the growing season with fertilizer especially formulated for bulbs, or use a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10- or 6-12-12. Apply one pound per 100 feet of bed space on established plantings or three pounds per 100 square feet on new plantings.

            Amaryllises are perfectly hardy throughout our area. Plant them out and enjoy their spectacular show for years. Dig and divide every three or four years or when the clumps become crowded. This digging and resetting will keep your plants growing and blooming vigorously.

            If your friends are not thoughtful enough to give you an amaryllis for Christmas, treat yourself to half a dozen or so bulbs from the bins at garden centers and superstores. Plant them out in a garden bed and prepare for a spectacular show next spring. Alternatively, pot up a couple of bulbs every two weeks and enjoy flowering specimens all through the winter and spring. Either way, their spectacular blossoms will add a burst of color and beauty to your home or garden.