In The Garden Now….. Amaryllis

‘Minerva’ Amaryllis
with Rex begonia

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Houseplants really aren’t my thing. But I have to admit I truly enjoy having one very special plant in my house each winter… Amaryllis.

They’re available in a wide range of colors including white, red, pink, salmon, yellow/green and orange with either solid or variegated blossoms.

In fact there are at least 500 different Amaryllis varieties that come in all different flower shapes, sizes and colors. 

Amaryllis are sold just about everywhere. Of course they’re available at local nurseries where you may have a particularly good selection from which to choose.

But they also can be found at a host of other local retailers including drug stores, the big box stores, grocery stores, a variety of discount stores, and online.
   

This blossom has more white

These lovelies are typically sold as a kit which includes a small plastic pot, planting mix and a single large bulb. Prices range from $5 to $15 dollars or more depending on the variety, size of the bulb and where they’re purchased.

Follow the very simple directions on the box and in a few short weeks you will be the proud owner of a lovely flowering indoor plant.

I hit the jackpot with my purchase this year. My ‘Minerva’ Amaryllis has produced five huge strikingly beautiful flowers! Previous plants have produced no more than four blossoms.

The flowers have unfurled gradually over a four week period. Each blossom has a white star center, veining, and is surrounded by an intense rich red color.

This blossom has a rich, red color

The flowers all sport the same basic colors, but may be patterned quite differently from each other. Strap-like leaves follow the flower stalks.
 
Enjoy a burst of amazing color on the dreariest of winter days! Amaryllis are easy to grow, drought tolerant, and bloom reliably indoors. What’s not to like?  I highly recommend!

(Botanical Name: Hippeastrum Amaryllis ‘Minerva’ )

(Note: The green leaves at the base of the amaryllis plant pictured belong to a Rex Begonia that I’m over wintering indoors. Begonias are gorgeous outdoor garden plants that thrive outdoors for the warmer part of the year. Most won’t make it through our typical winters unless moved indoors.  My Rex Begonia will be returning to a container garden outdoors come spring. )

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 25 years.