(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.)
Rosemary: If you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 or below, rosemary will only survive if you bring it indoors before the arrival of freezing temperatures. On the other hand, if your growing zone is at least zone 8, you can grow rosemary outdoors year round with protection during the chilly months. I live in zone 9B, semi-tropical, here in central Florida. I can grow amaryllis outside while northern climates can grow traditional spring bulbs like daffidils and tulips. I cannot grow those.
Friday began at 2:00 AM as a thunderstorm raged over my house. By 2:30 AM we were under a tornado watch for 15 minutes. Then the lightening and thunder passed followed by quiet rain. I was wondering if my amaryllis buds that I shared on Thursday survived the wind and rain. Luckily they did. At 8 AM I saw a pink flower opening. By 4:30 PM, 2 flowers were open and 1 bud was starting to open. Photos were taken Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. I cannot grow northern spring flowers like tulips as Florida is too warm. Amaryllis is a semi-tropical bulb that flowers in spring in warm climates. You see them in homes at Christmas and they are forced bulbs. I hope you enjoy my first amaryllis blooms this season. This pink and white plant is right by my expanding rosemary bush.
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