We've put together plant groupings to help you visualize how various plants look together. Bulbous plants can be used in landscapes as bedding plants or borders and can be cut for indoor arrangements. Yes, even if you live in the Midwest! YES COMPANION PLANT SUGGESTIONS: Cordyline, gardenia, croton, dwarf azalea, wild coffee, alocasia, and pentas. Transplanting Amaryllis Hippeastrum x hybridum from pots to the garden is not a difficult undertaking at all, and this is the time to do it. Amaryllis needs a rich, soft soil in which to grow outdoors. In heavy shade, they will be less vigorous and will flower poorly. They're slow growers that do best in part sun to partial shade. deep (20 cm), so the top is about 3 in. If you are moving indoor-grown amaryllis outdoors, acclimatize them first to the bright light outside. Fertilizer is not necessary at this point. Amaryllis is a popular holiday gift plant because it can be forced to produce stunning flowers during the holiday season. In most regions of the United States, amaryllis must be grown as potted plants in the home or greenhouse. They come in reds, pinks, salmon, near-orange, creamy yellow, and white, all with some outrageously beautiful designs. The more unusual the flower, the higher the price...but, since these plants multiply, your money will be well spent. The ultimate guide to low-maintenance plants and landscaping! You can thin out a bed of amaryllis from time to time, and dig up plants As the flowers begin to form in Click here to read our Privacy Policy & Disclaimer. Always store un-planted bulbs in a cool place between 40-50 deg. GOOD SNOWBIRD PLANT? Plant the bulbs in late April outdoors and fertilize them a couple of times in the summer. Growing amaryllis in groups has the most landscape impact...when 10 or more go into bloom, the sight is spectacular. Amaryllis Bulb Problems. Amaryllis will be killed outdoors by a true winter. Amaryllis makes a great landscape plant, and is hardy in South Carolina through Zone 7b. Bulbs, such as tulips, are well-known for their spring show in colder climates, but you can grow bulbs in Florida, too. Larger bulbs produce more flowers. Place sprouted plants about a foot apart. Flowers Amaryllis bulbs produce large, bell-shaped flowers, and they flower year after year if you plant and care for them properly. Amaryllis is as popular a holiday gift plant as poinsettia and Christmas cactus.Once the attractive blooms fade, though, we’re left wondering what to do next. that are growing where you don't want them. following year, rather than going to seed. spring, apply 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer. A tender perennial bulb, amaryllis does not tolerate any frost. Blossom colors vary widely, ranging from white to pink to dark red. Saint Joseph's lily (H. x johnsonii) is a favorite pass-along found in older Southern gardens. The trumpet-shaped blooms grow up to six inches across, and several flowers often appear in succession. For more information on amaryllis, contact your county Extension office. (Some varieties prefer part shade locations.) yellowed leaf now and then). Plant new bulbs outdoors in late September or early October for spring flowers. If you live in Florida, you can in fact cultivate amaryllis all year long. They are actually native to South American tropics where there is no winter. Of course, many people choose to continue growing the plant indoors, but it may come as a pleasant surprise to know that in warmer climes, up to USDA Zone 7b, planting amaryllis outside in the garden is an option too. Wait until any chance of frost has passed before planting to make sure your amaryllis has the best chance of flowering. Mine keep their green leaves all year. They will perform best if planted in a spot with partial sun and well-drained soil. Amaryllis plants are in full-flowering mode during the middle of spring. With minimal care, they will come back year after year. Add top soil or organic peat humus to the planting area. One large bulb can produce hundreds more over time. 1. You can work some bone meal into the planting hole before placing the bulb in it. Consider potting up some Amaryllis Growing Kits so they're near bloom, or blooming, in time for holiday gift-giving. 3 times a year - in spring, summer, and autumn - with a quality Central Florida Master Gardner, Jim Hunter provides best tips on growing bulbs in Floirda. Use them as a foundation planting against nearby evergreen shrubbery. So delay putting your amaryllis outdoors until daffodil leaves start to yellow. They're slow growers that do best in part sun to partial shade. The holiday amaryllis plants, with huge bulbs and blooms, are less hardy. Once the bloom opens, remove the plant from sunlight to prolong the life of the flowers. the plant will send energy back into the bulb to promote more blooms the If you purchase or receive a kit, there are usually directions that can guide you in planting the bulb. Click here to learn more about Amaryllis Zones 7-10: Outdoor Planting. Water thoroughly and place the pot in a cool, bright spot. How-ever, in Florida they are grown outdoors all year and make excellent garden plants. Amaryllis grows from a bulb; the flowers pop up on a tall stem over the strappy leaves. Bulbs should be spaced 10 to 12 inches apart. Still others are spectacularly striped and multi-colored. Flowering time is 7-10 weeks. Flowering Period: Late December until the end of June. This will help the plant store energy in the bulb so that it can flower in following years. Also remember that flower stalks can be top heavy, so make sure the container you select is heavy enough to counter balance the weight or add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot. In warm climates, amaryllis are happy outdoors year-round and bloom in stunning, vibrant displays of color in the spring. After a few days of doing this, put the amaryllis in the sunlight, and expose it to more sunlight each day. Amaryllis bulbs can be planted directly in the ground in areas where temperatures do not go below 10°F (Zones 8-10), or in zone 7 for cold-tolerant species that we sell for spring planting. Other plants you might like: Agapanthus, Ground Orchid. Outdoor Growing. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. Plant the bulb with the base of the bulb 8 in. deep (7 cm). Their best care would be to dig them in the fall, along with your dahlia and canna roots. Amaryllis Quick Tips: Planting Period: October until the end of April. But there are hundreds of cultivars with more exotic flower colors that can be ordered from bulb companies if your plant nursery only carries the standard ones. Unless you're planting in a row to line a walk or create a garden border, place bulbs in more of a non-pattern to create a nature-did-it look. If you wish to give an amaryllis as a gift plant, you can purchase pre-potted bulbs at many garden centers or you can buy bulbs separately and plant them in a pot that you select. Make sure you find a spot outside that drains well. These plants do well anywhere in South Florida, growing about 2 feet In Florida, amaryllis are grown outdoors all year long. You can grow them indoors everywhere during the winter and move them outside for a summer vacation. Choose a site with full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily) and well-drained soil. Fertilize Begin by putting your amaryllis outdoors in a shady area. Gardeners prize the amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) Growing amaryllis bulbs indoors can be an easy, fun way to bring the outdoors inside during the winter months. Amaryllis grown indoors from the previous holiday season can be moved outdoors in the spring. All parts of amaryllis are toxic to cats, so it’s best to grow them in areas they can’t reach. No trimming is needed other than to remove spent flower stalks (or a To force a potted amaryllis to bloom for the winter holidays, cut back the flower stalk after blooming stops, but allow the foliage to continue growing. However, in Florida they are grown outdoors all year and make excellent garden plants. For transplanted northerners who miss the bounty of spring flowering bulbs, this plant is the perfect answer. If there is any trick to helping them bloom, it is to plant them so the neck of the bulb is exposed. The leaves persist for much of the year, though they may fade in late summer and may be killed by frost in northern counties. granular fertilizer low in nitrogen. An ebook by Chase Landreauthor of South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com. Outdoors in frost-free regions, amaryllis are often grown as perennials in the perennial garden. If you cut back the dying flower stalks, of mulch (5-7 cm). Bulbs can be left in their original containers for two or more years before repotting is necessary. Once the bloom period is over, it can be left in its container or planted outdoors in the garden. Select a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. a single stalk. There are many amaryllis varieties to choose from, from dwarf types reaching just 20cm, to towering 75cm tall specimens, all are grown in the same way. In warmer areas Amaryllis can be grown outdoors. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb native to South Africa with large showy flowers that range in color from white to pinks, oranges and reds. Amaryllis are impressive in the landscape when grown in clumps of … Amaryllis produces large red, pink or white blooms amongst green foliage. No further watering should be necessary until the bulb sprouts. Come in from walks and dives 2 feet. Amaryllis make fantastic holiday centerpieces and wonderful long-term houseplants. Amaryllis will multiply, growing new bulbs that can be dug up and separated if you like. Another option is to transplant the bulb to the garden. These plants like to dry out a bit between waterings. These plants do well anywhere in South Florida, growing about 2 feet tall overall (flower stalks can add another 8 to 12 inches of height). Amaryllis bulbs are large but you will only need the container to … Growing Amaryllis Outdoors. Do acclimatize your bulb gradually to outdoor sun by putting it in a shade for a few days, then in partial shade for a few more days before exposing its foliage to full sun. foliage plant for borders or accents the rest of the year.Part sun to part shade works best, producing the most blossoms (too much shade and the plant won't flower).This is an easy care plant - it doesn't like to be fussed over. One of the best tips on growing amaryllis you can heed is to set a buzzer to remind you when to get the amaryllis … A highlight of the spring garden, amaryllis produces big, beautiful blossoms that transform a garden bed. Growing amaryllis outdoors Save a couple of the amaryllis bulbs you bought this winter and plant them outdoors in the garden. March, with several large trumpet-shaped blooms opening in succession on Also on Gardening Solutions Water on a regular basis but don't overdo it. However, the Amaryllis is one that performs year after year. Look for beautiful containers in shades that will complement your amaryllis. When it does sprout, move the pot to a spot with direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not over-watered. For other areas, you can grow them in a greenhouse or indoor. Ebooks that help you grow, design and enjoy your landscape! Amaryllis bulbs can be planted outdoors between September and January in Florida. Amaryllis flowers are available as singles and double. Plant amaryllis outdoors in the spring. In most regions of the United States, amaryllis must be grown as potted plants in the home or greenhouse. When the flowers fade, take your plant outdoors and fertilize to encourage the growth of new leaves. Flower color ranges from reds, oranges and pinks to pure white. They like regular fertilizing (every six weeks) during the summer. Each flower lasts about 2 weeks but several flowers often appear in succession. Choose a spot where there is afternoon shade. The Center for Landscape Conservation & Ecology, Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Once planted and watered, bulbs should bloom within six or eight weeks. (I complain about our last 2 … thick leaves that grow in clumps of glossy green, and make an attractive Learn how to get instant curb appeal with fast growing plants and landscaping techniques! Encourage early flowering by keeping at least one half to two-thirds of the bulb above the soil line. It is grown here in Florida as a potted plant, growing well indoors, or it can be planted outdoors. Amaryllis Best for Central Florida First day of Spring in Florida for me is when the Amaryllis bulbs come out. The wide variety of tropical and subtropical bulbs suited for Florida include crinum, cannas, amaryllis, and more. These make wonderful container plants, though with their brief period of bloom it may be better to tuck them into your landscaping. Place the bulb in the ground with the tip at or just below the soil level. (Some varieties prefer part shade locations.). You can place your plant outdoors for summer, if you like, in partial shade. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in Florida. Bright red, pink, orange (and, less often, white) are typical bloom colors in South Florida landscapes. They will perform best if planted in a spot with partial sun and well-drained soil. Keep the watered so the soil is moist, but not wet. In areas that do not experience winter freezing, such as USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, amaryllis can be left in the garden year-round. In heavy shade, they will be less vigorous and will flower poorly. Come out from the house 1-1/2 to 2 feet. tall overall (flower stalks can add another 8 to 12 inches of height). This is best done in late The ultimate guide to low-maintenance plants, ©2020 South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com Protect over-winter with 2-3 in. In areas with winter freezing, the bulbs must be dug up and kept in a dark place indoors until spring replanting. For more information on amaryllis, contact your county Extension office. can grow as much as 6 inches across and usually begin to appear in Because the stem is so tall, it's helpful to have a heavy container that won't tip over. I’ve had most success growing them in a spot that gets sunshine from morning to early afternoon, with shade thereafter. My favorite species is solid red or the uncommon red with one stripe per petal to make an "x" or cross. Pot up amaryllis bulbs from October to February and the huge trumpet blooms will put on a magnificent show around eight weeks after planting.. Amaryllis bulbs can be planted outdoors between September and January in Florida. When planted outdoors in Florida, amaryllis plants typically bloom in the spring before the leaves develop. Plant amaryllis bulbs outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10 in late September or early October. F. Amaryllis-One of a Kind Of all flowering bulbs, amaryllis … Growing Amaryllis Outdoors. Here's a handy ebook written just for you! The Amaryllis Is a Favorite for Floridians - St. Pete, FL - Many tropical and subtropical bulbs thrive in Florida heat. These bulbs grow well both indoors and in … Amaryllis will multiply, growing new bulbs that can be dug up and separated if you like. Amaryllis Outdoors In Warm Winter Zones Since these bulbs are tropical (native to South America), they can be grown beautifully outdoors in very warm and frost-free zones 9-11 . Often forced indoors near the winter holidays, amaryllis can also be grown outdoors. Add Amaryllis Bulbs to Your Garden You can easily grow amaryllis outdoors in the Lower, Coastal, and Tropical South, and the selection ‘San Antonio Rose' is cold hardy even in the Middle South. Plant the bulb in the center of the pot in well-drained potting media, taking care to press firmly around the bulb so that it is well seated. summer or early autumn when the plant is in a near-dormant state. Bright flower colors should be used against dark house colors and shrubbery; dark flower colors display best against white or light bac… The amaryllis plant has glossy, strap-like leaves that are about 1.5 inches across and 18 inches long. If hit by frost, the leaves may die back but new growth should sprout back up when warmer weather arrives. When purchasing bulbs, keep in mind that the larger the bulb, the larger the flowers. About first week of March they make their way up a tall inflorescence to open a spectacular large tubular flower. You do not want the bulbs to dry out too much. This spells the end of the adult narcissus fly’s season and you can therefore safely put your bulbs outdoors. flowers only last a few weeks...but these spring flowering plants have It's usually available in bulb or plant form. This article shows you how to plant them properly outdoors. for its 10-inch-wide, trumpet-shaped blossoms, according to the University of Minnesota. Love cut flowers? The Bulbs may be planted outside in spring after the threat of frost is past. Amaryllis are impressive in the landscape when grown in clumps of 10 plants or more of the same color. FYI: Amaryllis is a tropical bulb that just happens to also survive in the subtropics.