Amaryllis Blooms for the Holidays: Guidance on Storage, Cultivation, and Additional Information
In the realm of flowers, few blooms capture the imagination quite like the Amaryllis. With origins steeped in Greek mythology and botany, this stunning plant has become a cherished symbol of determination, beauty, and love.
The name Amaryllis is derived from the ancient Greek word 'amaryssein', meaning "to sparkle" or "to shine". It is a classical feminine name and also refers to a genus of flowering plants native to South Africa, renowned for their striking trumpet-shaped blooms.
In Greek mythology, the Amaryllis story revolves around a shepherdess named Amaryllis who was deeply in love with a shepherd named Alteo. In a display of unwavering devotion, Amaryllis pierced her heart with a golden arrow for thirty nights at Alteo's door. As a result, a beautiful flower sprang forth from her blood, bearing her name and becoming the Amaryllis we know today. This tale symbolises intense passion and romantic determination.
The Amaryllis flower is emblematic of pride, determination, and radiant beauty in various cultural traditions. Its vivid, elegant appearance has made it a symbol of natural elegance and vibrant splendor admired across generations.
When it comes to cultivating Amaryllis, patience and care are key. In mid-August, withhold water from the plant and let the foliage die back naturally as the pot dries out. Once the plant is inactive, store the dormant bulb in a cool, dark, and dry place for a minimum of eight weeks; extending storage is also possible.
In late summer or early fall, stop watering the Amaryllis plant and move it to a cool, dry location (ideally 55 degrees Fahrenheit), away from bright light. After six to eight weeks, repot the bulb in fresh potting soil and place it in bright, indirect light. Resume watering the bulb sparingly at first, then increase watering as new growth appears.
The Amaryllis can be a perfect gift for a loved one, providing them with the opportunity to nurture the plant to full blooms season after season. It also makes for a beautiful holiday floral gift, especially during the festive season.
Interestingly, the United States imports over 10 million Amaryllis bulbs annually, with most coming from Holland and South Africa. One of the valued farm partners who supplies Amaryllis bulbs is Charles Barnhoorn of Hadeco, a flower bulb farm based in South Africa. Founded by two individuals, Hadeco specialises in Amaryllis bulbs and is a valued partner for Gardenuity.
As individual flowers on the plant fade, they can be carefully snipped off. Once all flowers on a flower stalk have faded, cut the stem back to within a few inches of the bulb to prepare the bulb for storage.
The Alfresco Amaryllis bulb comes with a bamboo planter that can be used for an indoor herb garden when the Amaryllis is out of season. This versatile bulb prefers bright, indirect light and takes between four and seven weeks to bloom.
In conclusion, the Amaryllis is more than just a beautiful flower. It is a testament to love's perseverance, a symbol of natural elegance, and a source of joy for gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. Whether you're gifting it to a loved one or growing it in your own home, the Amaryllis is sure to captivate and inspire.
The Amaryllis plant, with its origins in both Greek mythology and South Africa, is not only celebrated for its radiant and striking blooms, but also for its symbolism of intense passion, romantic determination, and natural elegance. Its versatile nature makes it an ideal choice for home-and-garden enthusiasts, with its potential to transform into an indoor herb garden when out of season, such as the Alfresco Amaryllis bulb that comes with a bamboo planter.
