Caring for the season’s star: Amaryllis

Amaryllis are showstoppers — tall, striking and brimming with festive spirit. But to keep them at their best through the season, a little know-how goes a long way. From trimming and temperature to placement and prep, these simple steps will help your stems stay upright, thrive for longer and set the scene for every Christmas guest and gathering.

Let joy bloom

Your flowers will arrive in bud, so you don’t miss a moment of amaryllis beauty. Give them a few days to open, and you’ll see each trumpet unfurl in its own time. If you’re planning a party or want them at their best for Christmas week, arrange your delivery a few days ahead, so they’re at their most dazzling – right on cue.

Trim smart this season

Amaryllis stems are hollow and delicate – so swap the secateurs for a sharp knife. Cut about an inch off the end at an angle before popping them into water. This helps them drink better while keeping stems strong and – most importantly – standing tall.

Stay cool

Amaryllis like their homes bright, but not blazing. Display your stems somewhere with natural light but away from direct sun, radiators or roaring fires. A little warmth helps them open, but cooler rooms will make their beauty last longer.

A fresh start

Before arranging, remove any foliage that would sit below the waterline – it’ll help prevent bacteria and keep their vase life long. Change the water every few days and top it up as needed. Take note: these tall stems get thirsty quickly!

Style them your way

Whether you’re keeping it classic or feeling creative, amaryllis can do it all. Go bold with a single stem and a flower frog base or mix them into a larger festive arrangement with pine, eucalyptus or berries for extra depth and festive fragrance. Their scale means they hold their own anywhere, but they’re at their best as the centrepiece of your gathering.

A festive tip from Freddie

‘If your amaryllis stems start to droop, just trim them again and pop them into fresh water. You can even insert a thin bamboo stick into the hollow stem for extra support – they’ll bounce back beautifully’