Each year, the National Garden Bureau designates a specific plant to celebrate each year. The goal is to promote awareness, education and appreciation for that particular plant — and this year, one of the selections is amaryllis.
The amaryllis you decorate your home with during the winter holidays is a Hippeastrum, meaning horse star. Amaryllis comes from a Greek word meaning to sparkle or twinkle. Belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, Hippeastrum bulbs originate from Central and South America, particularly the Andes region. It was first introduced to Europe in the 18th century.
Amaryllis is comprised of 90 species and more than 600 cultivars in all sorts of colors and shapes, and it’s all thanks to those hybridizers who keep making new funky styles, flower forms and shades.
The majority of bulbs you buy are either Dutch or South African hybrids. These will bloom without needing any special treatment right after you get them.
Fun fact: Amaryllis bulbs can be induced to bloom indoors, making them a popular choice for holiday decorations. This time of year, prepackaged amaryllis bulbs are commonly found in stores. Many come complete with a plastic pot and a bag of growing mix. Sometimes, you will find waxed bulbs that do not require water or soil. They’re often prominently displayed in stores leading up to the holiday season.
The trumpet-shaped blooms are large, often measuring 6 to 10 inches in diameter. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white and bicolor combinations. Amaryllis flowers typically have six large, showy tepals (petals and sepals that look similar). Grow healthy and vibrant amaryllis plants, enjoying their stunning blooms indoors during the winter months. Plant bulbs in a well-draining potting mix, leaving the upper third of the bulb exposed above the soil. Plant in a pot that has drainage holes. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Amaryllis prefers bright, indirect light. Keep the plant in a warm location, around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
