For me, growing amaryllis is a necessity. I always feel a bit lost during the winter when I can't be in my garden. Planting amaryllis bulbs and watching them grow is both comforting and satisfying. It's just enough like gardening to keep me sane while I'm waiting to get my hands back in the soil.
Amaryllis have always been impressive plants, but today there are some truly fabulous varieties to choose from. If it's been a while since you have grown them, or if you tend to stick with traditional reds and pinks, read on to discover some amaryllis with a difference for the coming season.
Clockwise from upper left: Splash, Spartacus, Amorice.
Flowers with Stripes
All three of the varieties shown above, have bright white petals and distinctive red markings. They are far more elegant than you'd expect from flowers described as being "striped." Need a mid-winter display of nature's artistry? These varieties are just the thing. This winter I am growing two other striped amaryllis: Dancing Queen and Exotic Star. See what you think:
I usually start the winter with 6-8 amaryllis bulbs. I plant two in early November, two in early December and the rest in early January. This gives me plants at all different stages and I can usually count on a full three months of flowers.
White Nymph left; Sweet Nymph right
Flowers With Extra Petals
Extra petals aren't always a good thing. Sometimes plant breeders modify flowers in ways that obscure their natural beauty. But I think extra petals give amaryllis flowers a soft and romantic quality. This year I am growing two doubles: Nymph and Aphrodite.
A couple years ago, I started cutting my amaryllis and displaying the flowers in vases rather than in pots. By the time the flowers are in bloom, they are often top heavy and it can be hard to keep the pots upright. It's also challenging to find a place to display such a tall flower. Cutting the flowers down to a height of 12-18" makes it much easier to display them in a vase on my dining room table, where they can get all the attention they deserve.
Terra Cotta Star
Unexpected Color Options
The variety Exotica was one of my all time favorites. This year it's been replaced by Terra Cotta Star, which has the same dusky salmon flowers and intricate markings that remind me of butterfly wings. If you have a weakness for coral and peach, you'll adore this amaryllis. 
Lagoon
I've been trying to photograph Lagoon for a couple years now, and can't seem to capture its unique color. This photo is pretty accurate, but in person it's not quite this pink. I'd describe the color as rose-coral with a hint of blue. The flowers are enormous, with broad and flattened faces and glittering golden stamens.
Magic Green is another variety that's very difficult to capture in a photograph. It's probably one of those flowers that you either love or hate. For me, it's definitely love. The blossoms are not as large as most others, but they are exquisite.
Want to learn more about these amazing indoor bulbs? Read How to Choose a Quality Amaryllis Bulb. Ready to shop for some bulbs to get you through the winter? You'll find our complete selection HERE.
