There are few things lovelier than Amaryllis in full bloom. Here’s what to do to make sure yours knocks your socks off. Buy the largest size bulb for the variety. Larger bulbs mean bigger — and more — flowers. Keep in mind that miniature and double-flowered varieties usually have smaller sized bulbs. Make sure your Amaryllis bulb has the same firmness and feel of a good onion.
Pot the bulb with one to one and a half inches of soil surrounding and with the top third of the bulb exposed. Water thoroughly, then let dry almost completely before watering again. Amaryllis stems will lean strongly towards the light, so place the potted bulb in a sunny window and give the pot a quarter turn every few days to keep the stem straight.
Plan on your Amaryllis taking from five to eight weeks to bloom, although you can control, to some extent, how fast your Amaryllis will bloom with temperature. If your bulb is not moving fast enough, try watering with lukewarm (not hot) water and placing it in a warm room. If your Amaryllis bulb is moving too fast, then place in cooler room temperatures. These measures can add or subtract a week or so to the total blooming time.
With proper care, your Amaryllis will delight both you and your friends this winter. To bloom this beautiful giant from year to year, after your Amaryllis finishes blooming, remove the spent flower stalks but allow any leaves that may have begun to sprout to remain. Keep your Amaryllis watered in a sunny window, and start the application of a well-balanced houseplant fertilizer according to the directions on the package.
When it comes to adding vibrant color and visual intrigue to your garden few plants can compare to the stunning amaryllis. With its tall dramatic blooms in a diverse range of hues from deep, ruby reds to soft, blush pinks, this eye-catching plant is sure to make a bold statement in any outdoor space. However, with so many varieties and sizes of amaryllis to pick from, it can be tricky to select the right one for your unique landscape needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key factors to keep in mind when choosing an amaryllis, so you can find the perfect fit for your space and gardening goals.
Assess the Scale of Your Landscape
The first major consideration when selecting an amaryllis variety is the actual size and scale of your available planting area. Amaryllis plants come in a wide spectrum of sizes, ranging from petite, compact cultivars that thrive in containers as small as 10 inches wide to towering giants that can reach up to 4 feet tall at maturity.
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For modest-sized spaces like apartment balconies, patio planters, and smaller garden beds, compact amaryllis varieties in the 18 to 24 inch height range like ‘Minerva’ and ‘Picotee’ are ideal choices. These dainty plants produce charming, though slightly smaller, blooms on shorter stems that don’t overwhelm tiny plots.
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On the other hand, if you have a more expansive garden landscape or want to make a big, bold statement, larger amaryllis varieties like ‘Red Lion’ and ‘Apple Blossom’ are better picks. These specimens can attain heights over 3 feet and bear huge, showstopping blooms sure to become the focal point of any garden
So carefully evaluate the dimensions of your planting space and match it to an appropriately-scaled amaryllis for the best visual impact.
Consider Your Regional Climate Conditions
When selecting an amaryllis variety, it’s also wise to factor in the climate conditions and seasonal weather patterns in your local growing region. Although amaryllis are reasonably hardy and adaptable to a range of environments, some varieties are better suited for certain growing zones and seasonal swings than others.
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In colder northern climates prone to harsh, freezing winters, hardy varieties like ‘Double Dragon’ and ‘Red Peacock’ are smart choices. These cold-tolerant cultivars can withstand light frosts and frigid temps down to around 25°F.
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Meanwhile, in hot and humid southern regions, heat-loving varieties like ‘Cherry Nymph’ and ‘Tres Chic’ are better bets. These varieties handle heat, humidity, and warm evenings much better than others.
Selecting an amaryllis variety adapted to your area’s seasonal patterns boosts its odds of not just surviving, but also thriving and blooming beautifully each year.
Match Bloom Time to Your Landscape Needs
An additional key consideration when picking an amaryllis for your landscape is bloom time, as different varieties flower at different points throughout the year. So it’s important to choose one that will be in peak bloom when you want it most for your garden display.
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For festive holiday blooms, early-blooming varieties like ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘White Christmas’ are ideal, typically flowering in late November to early December.
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If you want to extend color later into spring, choose a mid- or late-bloomer like ‘Orange Sovereign’ or ‘Pink Surprise’ that blooms in May and June.
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For a bit of amaryllis cheer to cut through winter’s gloom, select a mid-season variety that blooms in February and March.
With amaryllis, you can essentially “program” waves of color to complement your whole landscape design just by selecting varieties with staggered bloom times.
Factor in Sunlight Conditions
When situating amaryllis in your landscape, it’s important to place them in a spot that offers sufficient sunlight to meet their needs. Although adaptable to various exposures, most varieties thrive and flower best with full sun.
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For peak growth and the largest, brightest blooms, situate amaryllis in a location receiving at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun with some afternoon shade is ideal.
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Quick-blooming and dwarf varieties can tolerate partial shade, but may produce smaller blooms and fewer stalks.
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Ensure potted varieties receive maximum sunlight by rotating containers to capture light from all angles.
Providing ample sun tailored to your chosen variety encourages amaryllis to grow vigorously and flower prolifically year after year.
Prepare the Ideal Soil Environment
One of the keys to successfully growing vibrant amaryllis is planting them in rich, well-draining soil amended with organic matter. Here are some tips for crafting the optimal soil environment:
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Incorporate 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and moisture retention.
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Mix in 1-2 cups ofworm castings per square foot to boost nutrients and beneficial microbes.
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Test soil pH and amend as needed to fall between 6.0-7.0.
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Add mycorrhizal inoculant to help amaryllis roots take up water and nutrients efficiently.
Taking the time to prepare a nutritious, loamy soil sets your amaryllis up for better growth and more prolific blooms year after year.
Allow Adequate Spacing for Growth
When incorporating amaryllis into your landscape design, it’s important to space plants far enough apart to allow for mature growth without overcrowding. Here are some spacing guidelines:
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Dwarf varieties like ‘Nymph’ and ‘Minerva’ can be planted 12-15 inches apart.
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Mid-size varieties can be spaced 18-24 inches apart at maturity.
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For full-size varieties, allow 24-36 inches between specimens.
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If desired, underplant smaller bulbs like daffodils, crocus or hyacinths in between for added waves of color.
Giving amaryllis room to reach full size avoids competition for sunlight and nutrients that can impair growth and flowering.
Use Containers Strategically
For small-space gardening or moveable color, growing amaryllis in containers is a great option. Here are some tips:
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Choose a pot only 1-2 inches wider than the bulb itself to keep plants pot-bound, which amaryllis prefers.
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Opt for a lightweight plastic or fiberglass pot for easy moving.
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Use a potting mix fortified with bulb nutrients to feed plants.
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Rotate pots periodically to evenly distribute sunlight for even growth.
With the right practices, container-grown amaryllis can produce just as many gorgeous blooms as garden-grown plants!
Apply Organic Mulch
Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around amaryllis plants in the landscape provides multiple benefits:
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Mulch conserves soil moisture and reduces watering needs by up to 30%.
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It suppresses weeds that compete for water and nutrients.
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As it breaks down, mulch adds valuable organic matter to the soil.
Some suitable mulch options include shredded bark, pine straw, dried leaves or wood chips. Renew mulch annually for continued effects.
Provide Regular Water
Although quite drought-tolerant once established, amaryllis plants need consistent watering for the first two years after planting to help their root systems develop properly.
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Water plants thoroughly whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry.
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Slow, deep watering is best to encourage deep root growth.
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Container plants may need daily watering on hot, dry days.
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Reduce frequency after plants become established.
Giving young amaryllis plants sufficient water provides a strong foundation for growth and future blooms.
By carefully considering all these factors when selecting amaryllis for your unique landscape, you can enjoy these colorful showstoppers at their best for years to come. With the right variety, care and growing conditions, amaryllis will beautifully enhance your outdoor space with vivid color and captivating texture.
Out of Season Care
When warm weather arrives, usually May 1 here in hardiness zone 7, you can move the pot outside for the summer, remembering to keep the plant watered and fed. If you know you’re going to forget to feed it once it’s outdoors, use a slow-release fertilizer. Just before the first frost, usually at the mid to end of October here, bring your plant inside, cut the leaves all the way back, leaving a one-inch stubble and allow the pot to go dry to the bottom.
Once the pot is bone dry, store the bulb in the container in a cool, dark, dry place for 8 to 10 weeks. An attic, basement, or attached garage is okay as long as they don’t get below freezing. Since some varieties will flower more quickly than others, check on the bulb after eight weeks. If the tip of a significant new flower shoot is beginning to show, then move the Amaryllis bulb out to a warm sunny window. Otherwise, leave it to rest for another two weeks. The standard blooming time for Amaryllis (after the first year) is somewhere between February and May.
To bloom your bulb by Christmas, you need to bring the Amaryllis bulb into dormancy by the end of August. Finding a cold, dark, and dry place can be difficult because attics, basements, and attached garages are still hot from the summer heat. A good refrigerator is your best bet.
My Amaryllis Passion Grows! How to Plant, Propagate, & Rebloom Amaryllis Bulbs + Cut Amaryllis Tips!
FAQ
Where is the best place to plant an amaryllis outside?
Do amaryllis like sun or shade?
How much space does an amaryllis need?
What size planter for amaryllis?
Can I plant multiple amaryllis bulbs?
If you have multiple amaryllis bulbs, try planting them at different times. Staggering the plantings of your bulbs by planting one bulb each week or two, you can prolong the blooming season. You can have multiple bulbs, or multiple varieties, growing in individual pots. Each will then have a slightly different blooming period.
How do I choose the right soil for my Amaryllis plant?
The pH level of the soil is a crucial factor to consider when choosing soil for your amaryllis plant. Amaryllis plants grow best in slightly acidic soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can affect the plant’s growth and development.
How to plant an Amaryllis bulb in a pot?
It is very easy to plant an amaryllis bulb in a pot. You will need a healthy amaryllis bulb, a pot, some potting soil, water, and a place to set your plant while it grows. Then you’ll need to provide a little bit of your own patience while you await the flowers. Amaryllis prefer cozy pots with a wide base and good drainage holes.
How do I choose the best amaryllis bulbs?
Selecting high-quality amaryllis bulbs is essential for successful growth and beautiful blooms. Here are some tips to help you choose the best Amaryllis bulbs: Size: Larger bulbs generally produce more stalks and flowers. Look for bulbs with a circumference of at least 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) for the best results.