Featured: Potted 6” Amaryllis has arrived
October 31, 2011
Though we've had the bulbs in stock since the beginning of September, this week we've begun bringing in planted amaryllis in grower's pots. These lovely bulbs are already beginning to crack, so if you need some Christmas colors these are perfect for the job. Hit the link below to find out more about these elegant and showy winter flowers.
Tall, colorful, and elegant, Amaryllis is a very popular winter flower. So much so that it's probably second only to the ubiquitous Poinsettia. Hailing from South America, and cultivated in South Africa, the Amaryllis makes a quite a journey to reach the shores of the US. There's no denying the effort is worth it though; the beauty of Amaryllis and its bulbous nature make it the perfect choice as a house plant or for cut flower arrangements.
Most Amaryllis bulbs are between 2" to 5" in diameter, and produce as many as seven evergreen leaves. Depending on the species they can produce over a dozen flowers, but most produce far less. The flowers themselves vary in shape in color but always have three sepals and three petals giving them a star shaped appearance. The possible range of colors includes red, pink, white, orange, yellow, and even green. There are many variations with striped or sort of variegated patterns of color on the petals.
What most people probably don't know is that while everyone calls these plants Amaryllis, it is in fact a misnomer. TheAmaryllis genus contains only two lonely plants: the little known Amaryllis paradisicola, and the much more popular Amaryllis belladonna. That's read that right, one of the only true Amaryllis species is the belladonna lily or 'naked ladies.' The plant you buy here at BloomRite® Gardens and other nurseries all over the world is actually from a genus called Hippeastrum. These two genre, Amaryllis and Hippeastrum, are very closely related which helps explain their similar appearance and the source of the confusion.
Hippeastrum consists of about 90 species, all of which call South America their home. There's literally hundreds of cultivars of course, most of which are grown in South Africa. It was named in 1837 by William Herbert, a British botanist and reverend. "Hippeastrum" means "horseman's star" (or "knight's star") in Greek. William Herbert probably chose this name because of the flower's resemblance to the morning star, a medieval weapon used by those on horseback. He was a bit of a medieval history buff.
Cultivation of the flower began shortly thereafter by the Dutch, and later in the 1940's was brought to South Africa, probably because Hippeastrum's cousin, the real Amaryllis, was native to the region. Today the flower is cultivated all over the world, in Japan, Israel, India, Australia, and the United States. The two varieties grown by BloomRite® Gardens are called 'Benfica' and 'Alfresca.' Benfica produces a deep red flower and darker foliage, and Alfresca blooms as a white double flower with a green throat and bright green foliage.
Growing the Amaryllis bulbs sold here is very easy, though a bit more effort is required to make the plant re-bloom next year. No forcing should be required the first time around, just plant them no more than neck deep. Keep the potting mix moist, in a brightly lit place free of direct sunshine. Temperatures between 65°F and 75°F are optimal for the plant, so all but the chilliest or hottest rooms will be suitable. The trick to get the plant to bloom again is to put the dormant bulb in a warm sunny place for about 9 months after it finishes flowering. Then store the plant is a cold place (no more than 55°F, maybe even as low as 40°F) for 8 to 10 weeks. After this chilling the flowers should redevelop.
6" Amaryllis in grower's pots are now available now at BloomRite® Gardens for $8.95 each. They are available in the colors red and white.
