The fancy amaryllis are all very well

But when all’s said and done, I like this clear, deep red.

I have had this one, in the same heavy stone pot, for at least 8 years (I think it’s more). It blooms very late in the season (now), probably because I never give it a dormancy period, just letting it go its merry way as a houseplant. In a few months, I’ll bring it outside for the summer.


This was the year I decided to break away from the red amaryllis and try some of the doubles and the different shapes and colors. One double—Nymph (above)—was so sumptuously full, one blooming stalk toppled over and broke right off. Even then, I was able to keep it going in a vase for another week or so. Then there was a tall one—Exotic Star (below, when in bloom). La Paz and Lemon/Lime still have buds. (Clueless as to why even the new ones are taking so long.)



They’re all beautiful, but there’s something about this red one. I particularly like the leaves coming up at the same time. More like a real plant.