I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. Amaryllis sold at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.
I must admit I miss my garden at my old house. To be honest, I don’t miss weeding, trying to find a yard guy for mowing, trimming trees, etc. I do miss my flowers. My condo is still in central Florida in zone 9B and 10A but a little further south than where my house was. In January, I found forced amaryllis bulbs on sale that had been originally offered for Christmas. They’re big beautiful bulbs and expensive. With the sale, they were a little more reasonable, and I bought two. Both bulbs had roots and green shoots growing inside the boxes. If you remember my amaryllis garden at my old home, I bought a mixed red and white and a solid white similar to what I had there.
My balcony is in shade. Last year I planted a frangipani tree (plumeria) cutting from my house in a big pot. I placed it on the balcony. At the first there were little gorgeous blooms on the cutting as it started growing. They fell off quickly, and the plant contined to grow tall with green leaves but no flowers. The balcony does not provided full sun the tropical plant needs. I have re-homed the plant to a lady who will plant it in her yard in March.
Since I know I can’t plant the amaryllis on the shady balcony, I planted them in medium sized pots. One is placed on each side of the front door. I cannot use a larger pot due to size restrictions to keep the walkway safe.
Each bulb came with a little packet of soil and a small plastic planter. For those of you who cannot plant these bulbs outside, a word of caution. Unless you plan to throw the bulb away after it blooms, don’t plant them in the enclosed small pot. You will just be re-planting shortly after the blooms. Also amaryllis have large flowers and can fall over due to weight of multiple blooms. This can happen in the ground but especially in small pots. You may need a support in the pot or ground.
The variegated amaryllis has started to bloom. First it was just one flower. Then seven more have bloomed. I have been enjoying them for over a week.
The white bulb is growing at a much slower rate than the variegated one. It has a green stalk and two green buds forming. I know in another week or two I will be enjoying big white flowers.
When both bulbs finish blooming for the season, I will plant annuals around the bulbs. Then I will have color by the front door spring and summer. Next year the amaryllis will not be forced and will bloom later like April or May. It depends of the species. We’ll see next year.
I hope you enjoyed my little container garden. I’m wishing you all an early spring with blue skies and blossoms.
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Such a pretty flower. Sorry about not having your garden. You always shared beautiful posts of the flowers.
Thanks Judee. I really couldn’t take care of the garden anymore. I find flowers to fill my need.
…I like Phyllis the Amaryllis.
I love this! I love seeing these beautiful flowers. And your plumeria is so lovely, too. I have enjoyed buying amaryllis at Christmastime on sale, too, but I haven’t done it for a while. I should! 🙂 Thank you for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #56 linkup. We hope to see you again next week at #57. Have a great week!
I do remember the beautiful amaryllis blooms you posted about. Glad you have chance to grow them again. The variegated one is especially beautiful. I also adore frangipani. It’s smells amazing!
Beautiful flowers to welcome you home. I need to try them again!!
As much as I get tired working in our garden during busy times, I know that once I cannot garden, I will miss it! Visiting from #MMBC.
So beautiful! I like that frangipani blooms in particular.
Such beautiful flowers they have brightened my day. I can’t do gardening like I used to and I had so many flowers in my old garden but I mostly miss my rose bushes. I am determined to do some container planting this year though. Fingers crossed for some sun.
Those are beautiful and a great way to add some color by your front door.
Oh, how I love Amaryllis! I have several potted bulbs as well. It’s a little different up here in New England, but I let them winter over in my garage and put them out on the porch in the summer.
It’s fantastic that you have developed a way to grow them up north. They have such big, beautiful flowers.
Very pretty, a welcome sight for this time of year. I am looking forward to our blooming season. Have a great week Carol!
Amarylis are such beautiful flowers. I am glad you can still do some gardening even if it is just in pots.
Carol, I just love your early flowers. So pretty. I appreciate you explaining the information needed for planting and care.
Visiting today from Will Blog For Comments
Carol, I’m popping back in with congratulations because this post was one of the most popular at the Will Blog for Comments #56 linkup! It will be in the spotlight throughout #57, starting today. If you’d like, you’re welcome to save the “This Blog Post Was a Featured Favorite” image from there to share with your readers here. Thanks for being part of our linkup! We hope to see you at #58, too. 🙂
thanks for the feature – see you at the party!
WOW, they are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing and participating at SSPS 349. See you at #350