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Flower profile

Amaryllis

Quick facts

Botanical name: Hippeastrum hybrids. In SAF's language of flowers, amaryllis means dramatic.

Single red amaryllis stem in a tall vase with pine
Photo: Kesler / Floral Design Institute

Amaryllis at a glance

Meaning
dramatic
Colors
  • Red
  • White
  • Pink
  • Orange
  • Salmon
  • Bicolor
Season
Winter and spring; a popular holiday-season potted bulb.
Special care
Buy or cut when buds are colored but still closed. Re-cut the hollow stem and stand it in fresh water with flower food. Keep away from heat; blooms open in sequence over several days.
Size
A bulb that sends up a hollow, leafless stalk topped with two to six large trumpet-shaped flowers, each 5 to 8 inches across
Also called
Dutch amaryllis, Knight's star lily

Pet safety

Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The bulb is the most poisonous part; keep away from pets and small children.

About amaryllis

A bulb that sends up a hollow, leafless stalk topped with two to six large trumpet-shaped flowers, each 5 to 8 inches across. Plants stand 1 to 3 feet tall with strap-shaped glossy leaves. Sold as a potted bulb for winter bloom and as a cut flower.

How to make amaryllis last

  1. Keep them cool until they are in water. Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them into a flower food solution.
  2. Fill a clean vase with water and flower food. Use a clean, deep vase and add the flower food from your florist, following the mixing directions on the packet.
  3. Remove leaves below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth that can limit water uptake by the flower.
  4. Re-cut the stems. Remove one to two inches with a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems, then place the flowers straight into the vase.
  5. For amaryllis. Buy or cut when buds are colored but still closed. Re-cut the hollow stem and stand it in fresh water with flower food. Keep away from heat; blooms open in sequence over several days.
  6. Keep them in a cool spot. 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans.

Care steps from SAF’s flower care tips. More flower care tips →

Amaryllis as a potted plant

Potted bulb: bright light, water when the top of the soil dries, keep the bulb neck above the soil; after bloom remove the stalk, let foliage grow, then give an 8-10 week cool, dry rest before restarting.

Questions about amaryllis

What does the amaryllis mean?

In the traditional language of flowers, the amaryllis stands for "dramatic".

What colors do amaryllis come in?

Amaryllis come in red, white, pink, orange, salmon and bicolor.

How do you care for amaryllis?

Keep amaryllis cool until they are in water, use a clean vase with flower food, remove any leaves below the waterline, re-cut the stems by one to two inches and keep the vase at 65 to 72 degrees, away from direct sunlight and vents. For amaryllis: Buy or cut when buds are colored but still closed. Re-cut the hollow stem and stand it in fresh water with flower food. Keep away from heat; blooms open in sequence over several days.

Are amaryllis safe around pets?

Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The bulb is the most poisonous part; keep away from pets and small children.

Where can I buy amaryllis?

From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.

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