I have an embarrassing amount of amaryllis. What started out as a small hobby quickly grew into an insatiable desire to grow every amaryllis variety available. Thankfully, growing copious amounts of amaryllis bulbs has a positive side effect. Now I know which cultivars are worth their weight in gold and which should be left on the nursery shelf. Here's a list of 10 amaryllis that you mustn't be without.
Blossom Peacock - This stunning large double was introduced in 1997 by Miyake Nursery. The pink and white blooms are slightly fragrant and exquisitely proportioned. The consistent petal size makes the blooms look like a geometric drawing and the tough, leathery leaves develop after flowering. Usually, 2 scapes can be expected from a 30-32 cm bulb and 3 from a 32-34 cm bulb. Generally, each flower has 15-18 petals and up to 2 petaloid stamens in addition to normal stamens.
2. Charisma - Breed in the Netherlands by Penning Breeding B.V. and introduced in 1999 this large flowering amaryllis features bright red and white frilly edged blooms. Each scape usually produces 4-6 blooms that measure 6-6.5 inches. The blooms have a wonderful venation with the upper 3 petals being predominately red. The lower petals have red speckles on a white background. Usually, 2 scapes can be expected from a 26-28 circumference bulb and 3 from a 32-36 cm bulb.
3. Gervase - This unique amaryllis flaunts variable streaks and wedges of red and bright pink with pronounced pink veining. The massive blooms measure up to 8-10 inches in diameter and make ideal cut flowers. The unique red filaments offer added interest and contribute to the blooms candy cane appearance. Large 34-36 bulbs generally produce two flowering scapes which can reach a height of 18-24 inches. 'Gervase' was introduced by Fa. G. Staalduinen & Zn. in 2009 and is sometimes marketed under the name 'Fantasy.'
4. Magical Touch - Breed by master hybridizer Ton Peter van Nieuwkerk this amaryllis is the perfect blend of hot pink and cherry red. The ruffled petals have a fine white rim, and the throat is a stunning lime green. The huge blooms are more flat than trumpet and subtle streaks of white adorn the magnificent petals. When an American customer saw this amaryllis for the first time she remarked "Ton didn't lose his magical touch," whereupon the breeder happily reacted "that will be her name; 'Magical Touch.'"
5. Christmas Gift - The snow-white blooms of 'Christmas Gift' are long lasting and make excellent cut flowers. Introduced in 1987 by Jac J. Mense this classic large flowering amaryllis has frilly edged petals measuring 7-7.5 inches in diameter. It's widely accepted as the most popular white amaryllis of the 2000s, though its propensity to produce less than four flowers per scape are less than ideal.
6. Sweet Star - Introduced by N.L. van Geest in 2014, this large flowering baby pink amaryllis has medium pink venation when flowered under normal indoor lighting. Generally, each scape produces 4-5 flowers. The darker pink markings over the pastel pink petals create the appearance of a delicate, sheer fabric.
7. Red Pearl - This gorgeous, deep red amaryllis was introduced in 2003 by N.L. van Geest. While there is a wide selection of red amaryllis to choose from, 'Red Pearl' sets itself apart with a strong, silky petals in a deep wine red.
8. Rosy Star - Introduced in 2014 by N. L. van Geest, this elegant white amaryllis has gentle, rosy pink brushstrokes on the top petals. The pink coloration will vary based on light levels with a greater amount of pink present when flowered under high light levels. Generally, 4-5 large flowers can be expected per scape.
9. Yellow Star - This 2019 introduction is the best modern yellow amaryllis hybrid with Dutch form to date. Like some of the earliest yellow hybrids, 'Yellow Star' tends to put up all its scapes in quick succession making for a truly spectacular amaryllis show. The flowers are light yellow with a cool, green cast and a diffused green heart. The petals are pointed and feature a noticeable "drop tongue" on the lowermost petal.
10. Sweet Nymph - This informal hybrid has intact sexual parts and uneven doubling. The highly productive bulbs sometimes put up 5 scapes. The blooms are a combination of bright pink, bubblegum pink, and white. They are heavily veined with a deep watermelon pink. Sweet Nymph is sometimes sold under the name 'Swenym' and was introduced in 2012 by Nieuwkerk.
Shop our complete selection of amaryllis bulbs HERE. Watch our video on how to plant amaryllis HERE. Read more articles like 10 Must-Grow Amaryllis Varieties HERE.
