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 Double amaryllis have jumbo flowers with multiple
layers of petals. Kick off the season with the early-blooming
variety Alaska. Its frilly white petals contrast nicely with the
lime green throat and the flowers last for weeks. Early blooming
amaryllis are grown in the southern hemisphere and, if planted by
early November, they bloom in time for holiday decorating and
gift-giving.
Extend amaryllis season with doubles that are grown in the northern
hemisphere. Start these amaryllis bulbs any time before January for
flowers in mid to late winter. Sweet Nymph has layers of creamy
white petals that are decorated with coral pink stripes. The
blossoms add romantic charm to any setting. The extra-large flowers
of Giant Amadeus change colors as they go from bud to mature bloom.
The blossoms start out mostly white with a fine red outline. The
color of the petals gradually intensifies to blushing pink, rose,
and coral.
Doublet is another stunning winter-blooming double. Its flowers
feature narrow petals in a variety of widths, all with red and white
candy cane stripes. You can expect two or three flower stalks from
each bulb and as many as a dozen flowers. For more subtle beauty,
consider double amaryllis Elvas with white petals outlined in red.
New varieties of single amaryllis can be equally dramatic. Opal Star
is an early bloomer with slightly longer and narrower petals than
most. Its muted, pale red flowers feature a chartreuse and white
star in the center that extends to the tips of the petals. Cape Horn
has broad, rose-pink petals and a white star. Remember to plant
these early-blooming amaryllis in the fall so you can share living
bouquets for the holidays.
Keep the flowers coming with varieties that bloom in January and
February. Terra Cotta Star is sure to attract attention with its
striking colors and exquisite details. The salmon, rose, buttercream
and pistachio petals have dark red veining that makes each blossom a
standout.
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Yellow Star is another unique variety with elegant
ivory and lime green flowers that are sure to lift your spirits.
Rosy Star’s exquisite flowers feature snowy white petals and a
rose-pink blush.
Don’t underestimate red amaryllis as there are many
exciting variations to choose from. Charisma is an early-blooming
single with petals that display an ombre effect of red and white.
Gervase and Flamenco Queen are later blooming singles with a similar
fade on their petals. For extra bold red and white flowers, consider
single amaryllis Spartacus or Minerva, and the double variety
Splash.
Order your amaryllis bulbs early for the best selection. When the
bulbs arrive, store them in a cool, dry dark place until you are
ready to plant. After you pot up the bulbs, place them in a warm,
bright location to encourage them to break dormancy. Once the first
bud emerges, you can expect to have flowers in two to four weeks.
Enjoy all the beauty that growing amaryllis (Longfield-Gardens.com)
provides with only minimal care.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including
the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and
Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow
Anything” DVD instant video series and the nationally syndicated
Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and
contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned
by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article. Her
web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo courtesy of
Longfield-Gardens.com] |
