Amaryllis: Everything You Need to Know

Amaryllis: Everything You Need to Know

If you asked the people around you which flower represents Christmas for them, chances are that most of them would say Amaryllis. 

And seeing as the flower’s name comes from the Greek word for “to sparkle” it truly is the perfect stem for a season that is covered in glitter and lights. 

But how do you make it last as long as possible? With our care tips, of course.

When do amaryllis bloom?

It usually takes amaryllis 6 - 10 weeks to bloom after planting. For blooms that arrive in time for Christmas, that means bulbs should be planted around October time. 

For guaranteed Christmas enjoyment, you can of course just grab our beautiful Amaryllis Special in our Christmas Flowers shop. 100% stunning and festive, without any extra effort.

How to care for amaryllis flowers indoors?

Flowers grown from a bulb should be kept in a light spot and fed with a fertiliser as they grow. It is also important to keep the soil most, but water sparingly. Once the amaryllis has flowered, it should be cut back but still regularly watered. Browning leaves in summer mean that the amaryllis should not be watered anymore and the foliage cut back. 

How to care for cut amaryllis

Here’s how to look after amaryllis in a vase: As with all cut flowers, it’s important to first cut the stems at an angle. As amaryllis stems are quite thick, a sharp knife works best. After cutting, the flowers should be put in clean, room temperature water straight away. 

For bloomin’ marvellous amaryllis, a spot away from direct sunlight and heat is perfect. As blooms start to wither you can gently remove them to encourage new ones to open. If you’re worried about pollen stains - though they’re not as bad as the lilies - you can gently pluck the stamens off. 

The stems will split and curl as the days go by, so regularly cutting your amaryllis down and replacing the water every 2-3 days will mean more time to enjoy these marvellous flowers. 

How long do amaryllis flowers last?

Grown from bulb, they can last years with the right care. 

Cut stems in a vase will typically last two weeks or even longer with the right care and attention. Not bad, we say!

When can I buy amaryllis flowers from Freddie's Flowers?

The Amaryllis Bouquet Special - going by the aptly Christmassy name of The Nutcracker - is available to order from our Christmas Shop now and can be delivered to bring seasonal glow to your home from 9 December. 

It also makes a great Christmas floral gift for those who are firmly on your Nice list. 

How to get amaryllis to re-bloom?

With a little patience and the right care, your amaryllis can rebloom year after year, bringing festive cheer to every season. Once the initial blooms fade, keep the plant in a sunny spot and continue watering it lightly. When spring arrives, move the bulb outdoors or to a brighter window to soak up extra sunlight and begin feeding it with a balanced fertiliser monthly. As autumn approaches, reduce watering gradually and let the leaves die back naturally. Then, store the bulb in a cool, dark place for about 8-10 weeks to mimic winter dormancy. When you’re ready for the next bloom cycle, bring it back out, water, and watch it spring to life!

With these steps, you can enjoy amaryllis flowers year after year, turning them into a true holiday tradition in your home.