One bulb of Fairy Tale amaryllis can grow up to three stems, each topped by five to six flowers, according to according to Christian Curless of Color Blends. (Courtesy www.colorblends.com/MCT)
Watch out, poinsettia. The reputation of Amaryllis is growing as a major player in holiday decorating and gift-giving.
Why? The big brown bulb matures into a bold, beautiful flower that keeps on giving for years to come -- unlike the poinsettia, which is often tossed in the trash or compost pile not long after the holidays.
"Growing amaryllis is much easier than it appears," says Lisa Ziegler, owner of the Gardener's Workshop (www.shoptgw.com). "I think the beauty of the blooms literally scares people from growing them. But the flower is in the bulb when you buy it, and it is coming out of the bulb with or without your help. Your basic care help just makes it look a little nicer."
Amaryllis, whose blooms are in white and hues of red and pink, also makes excellent fresh-cut flowers. "They last just as long, if not longer cut ... as when left on the bulb," says Ziegler.
Here are Lisa Ziegler's tips for best results: Before planting the bulb, place it in a saucer, and cover the roots with half an inch of lukewarm water for a couple of hours; this will encourage root formation. Use a container with a drainage hole. Fill it with potting soil, and place the bulb on top. Then add just enough potting soil so half of the bulb is exposed above the surface. No fertilizer is needed. Allow the plant to dry out between waterings. Provide support for your bulbs using three to four twigs from your yard, each about 18 inches tall and diameter the size of your little finger. Push the twigs into the soil at each corner of the container, or use three twigs to create a tripod, and tie them together at the top with raffia. The foliage grows up and through the support, virtually hiding it. Place planted bulbs in a cool bright spot. When the plant blooms, remove faded flowers promptly to increase the life of the remaining flowers. When flowering stops, cut off the faded flowers, but let the leaves continue to grow; keep watering regularly. In May, place your pot in a sheltered shady spot in your garden. In September, refrain from watering. In October, remove pot from garden, trim foliage and place in a dry cool but frost-free location. In January, remove old roots and repot with fresh soil. You will enjoy flowers again indoors come late winter.