Amaryllis for the Holidays: Advice on Storage, Cultivation, and Additional Information
The Alfresco Amaryllis, a captivating plant with large, vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers, is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening. With its African origins and rich history intertwined with mythology and symbolism, the Amaryllis is more than just a flower—it's a symbol of strength, beauty, and determination.
According to Greek mythology, the name Amaryllis comes from a shepherdess named Amaryllis, who was known for her love and beauty. In a legendary tale, she pierced her heart with a golden arrow, and from her blood sprang a beautiful flower, now known as the amaryllis.
The Amaryllis is a bulbous flowering plant, native to southern Africa, and is part of the Amaryllidaceae family. It is renowned for its striking appearance, blooming in winter or early spring. Symbolically, the Amaryllis represents pride, determination, and radiant beauty, often given to convey strength of character and attractiveness.
Caring for the Alfresco Amaryllis involves a few simple steps. Once all flowers on a flower stalk have faded, cut the stem back to within a few inches of the bulb to prepare it for storage. For short-term storage, find a cool, dark, and dry place for a minimum of eight weeks. For longer storage, this is also acceptable. When ready to bloom again, withhold water and let the plant's foliage die back naturally, followed by storing the bulb in a cool, dry location (ideally about 55 degrees Fahrenheit) for several months.
When planting an Alfresco Amaryllis bulb, ensure that 1/3 of the bulb remains above the soil. Water sparingly until you see about two inches of new growth. Once new growth is visible, increase watering and prepare for blooms.
The United States imports over 10 million Amaryllis bulbs annually, with most coming from Holland and South Africa. Hadeco, a flower bulb farm based in South Africa, is a valued farm partner that supplies Gardenuity with amaryllis bulbs. As individual flowers on the Alfresco Amaryllis plant fade, you can carefully snip them off.
When the Amaryllis is out of season, the bulb can be repurposed for an indoor herb garden using the included bamboo planter. The Amaryllis, including the Alfresco variety, is a popular holiday favourite due to its beautiful blooms. Gardenuity views Valentine's Day as a celebration of all loves, not just romantic, and encourages growing Amaryllis as a way to express love during this holiday.
In summary, the Amaryllis's origin is African, with significant mythological roots in Greek legend and symbolic meanings associated with strength and beauty. Caring for the Alfresco Amaryllis involves simple steps, making it an accessible choice for gardeners at any level. Whether you're looking to add a touch of beauty to your home or express your love during the holiday season, the Alfresco Amaryllis is a timeless choice.
Planting the Amaryllis bulb in a home-and-garden setting is an excellent way to incorporate this beauty into your lifestyle. The Alfresco Amaryllis, after its blooming season ends, can be repurposed as an indoor herb garden in your home.
