As widely known, a fully bloomed amaryllis can't be passed without being admired. Those enormous, cherry-colored blossoms are very stunning. In addition, this plant blooms for a long period during the winter, generally right around the holidays making this plant synonymous with Christmas time!
During the busy winter months, amaryllis bulbs don't require much of your attention either; all they require is a warm, well-lit location and weekly watering. Soon, those unassuming bulbs will develop into stunning showpieces.
Amaryllis Structure
Amaryllis are valued for their exotic trumpet-shaped flowers that are born on 1- to 2-foot stalks and can be purchased as bare or planted bulbs. Therefore, they make fantastic gifts for gardeners of all skill levels and offer spectacular color to homes and gardens.
Amaryllis flowers can be solitary or double in shape and range in size from 4 to 10 inches. Although red and white are the most common colors for blooms, other options include pink, salmon, apricot, rose, and deep burgundy. Some variants, like picotee or purple and green are bicolored (having petals with a different edge color).
Amaryllis History
The Amaryllis genus also has African roots and is derived from the Greek word amarysso, which means "to sparkle." In the 1700s, bulbs were introduced to Europe and have been known to bloom for up to 75 years. However, the amaryllis bulbs that we frequently buy and keep as houseplants are hybrids of the species Hippeastrum and are indigenous to Central and South America.
Amaryllis Fun Facts
You might be surprised to learn that there is much more to these alluring blossoms. Today, we'll look at a few amaryllis facts that may surprise you and make you love cultivating these festive plants even more. Lets check them out! Here are few fun facts about the Amaryllis flower below:
1. Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs
You can find amaryllis bulbs incased in wax! This plant is already famously known for being low maintenance and needing little watering. However, the Amaryllis bulbs that have been waxed do not require soil or water since the wax traps the moisture and nutrients they require to bloom. They only need to be placed in a cozy, well-lit area, and they will take care of themselves.
Additionally, you can also find waxed bulbs with fun colors and festive designs. However, there might be fewer colors available than with conventional amaryllis bulbs. Either way, the waxed amaryllis bulbs produce lovely flowers you can enjoy throughout the holidays, and would also make a special gift for the person on your list who is tough to buy for.
2. The Bulb's Size Is Important
Amaryllis bulbs are fairly heavy as far as bulbs goes. Some can grow to be the size of softballs, but you may also notice smaller ones that are more akin to tennis balls. Each bulb can produce two or more flower stalks and may contain anywhere from two to five individual blooms. That is why they are so large.
The biggest bulbs you can locate should always be chosen because they will yield the most blooms for you. You will also find that these bulbs can vary significantly in price, ranging from $6 to $40 each! If you've ever puzzled why, keep in mind that it can take them 3 to 5 years to grow big enough to be sold. Additionally, majority of them are imported into the United States from South Africa or Holland.
3. The Greek Origins of the Name Amaryllis
The nymph Amaryllis, who was infatuated with the dashing shepherd Alteo, is said to have given birth to amaryllis flowers from her blood. She was able to win his affection thanks to that lovely flower. Perhaps, for this reason, the amaryllis now stands for grace and love as well as tenacity, fortitude, and triumph. The genus name for these plants, Hippeastrum, which derives from the Greek words for "knight's star," may also be used to refer to amaryllis.
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