Our friend, Hal Hurka, came over not long ago and helped us get rid of some Lenten Roses – they will take over everything. He dug a bunch of them up, and though he didn’t have to, he gave us an amaryllis in return. It grew, Nancy transplanted it and it now has one of the most beautiful blooms you’ll ever see on any flower, anywhere.
I didn’t know much about the amaryllis flower, but I always loved the name. I think Amaryllis would be a beautiful name for a little girl. But I digress. Here’s what I’ve learned about this lovely flower.
Amaryllis may be purchased as bare or planted bulbs and have exotic trumpet-shaped flowers born on 1- to 2-foot leafless stalks or scapes. They add dramatic color to homes and gardens and make wonderful gifts to gardeners from beginners to experts.
Native to Africa, the genus Amaryllis comes from the Greek word amarysso, which means “to sparkle.” Bulbs were brought to Europe in the 1700s and have been known to bloom for up to 75 years.
Amaryllis flowers range from 4 to 10 inches in size and can be either single or double in form.
While the most popular colors are red and white, flowers may also be pink, salmon, apricot, rose or deep burgundy. Some varieties are bicolor such as purple and green, or picotee (having petals with a different edge color).
Amaryllis bulbs come in various sizes. Whether purchasing a bare bulb to plant or bulbs planted in a pot, the size and condition of bulbs will influence amaryllis performance.
They are easy to grow, easy to care for an they’re beautiful. What’s not to like about an amaryllis?
