This is one of my favorite amaryllis blooms because of its simplicity and symmetry.
It is not as flamboyant as its bigger, showier relatives.
It had to be put back in a pot due to damage. I am happy to see it recovering nicely. It may need to be babied through another season. I may divide it and keep half as a stock plant. I do not want to risk losing this precious treasure again.
Flower
This Appple Blossom Amaryllis has subtle colors, so it does not scream if planted in a perrennial bed.
Whites look great against greenery with other white flowers.This one will go in partial shade, surrounded by ferns near our small fish pond.
I have many bright Amaryllis in the garden. I refer to these as the clowns. I still love them, but they do scream for attention. See link below.
FLOW
May is Amaryllis time here. I will share many of these throughout the month, but none will be more quietly gorgeous than ‘Moonscene.’
This is the flower of dreams. Perfect shape and luster. Lovely coloration and patterns. I have been stalking its stalks for weeks. Watering and staking and waiting to see those lovely faces.
I must admit that I have referred to many of my Amaryllis/Hippeastrum varieties as the “clowns of the garden.” I am ashamed of this harsh judgement. They cannot help being over-hybridized. They have been manipulated genetically to be big and showy. This is their purpose as a holiday flower in the fray of holiday decor. (Stay tuned for those.)
However, when these specimen are transferred to outdoor gardens they seem comical and out of place. They must be placed properly so as not to clash with the other plants. My favorite grouping is by a pond surrounded by ferns.
If you want an Amaryllis that stands out without flash and clash. I do hope you can find yourself a ‘Moonscene’ to add interest and beauty.
FLOWER
I have lost many of my outside amaryllis bulbs this winter. I am still trying to find the cause. Because of this fact I refused to buy one over the Christmas holidays. I lamented not having a bulb to observe during the cold months, so Mr. Flower found an unsold bulb to rescue for a Valentine’s gift. This one is labeled Indoor Amaryllis, Double Dragon. Its first bloom just opened.
I will keep this dragon safe indoors until I investigate further the fate of my other Amaryllis/Hippeastrum bulbs.
I have blogged about my planting methods of making a lava rock nest for protection and drainage. The nest of many bulbs have been found empty, yet undisturbed. If anyone has an hypothesis of a possible cause, I would like to hear it.
FLOW
I planned on doing only one Amaryllis blog post this spring.
The Minerva group has been showing off.
The Monte Carlos bloomed in their crazy red and white costumes.
Moonscene bloomed twice while waiting for Picotee.
Both Apple Blossoms burst out with their usual shimmer.
Finally, Picotee showed its face. I love that tiny rim of red.
Amaryllis blooms stand out anywhere and I have them everywhere.
FLOW
There is something about spots on flowers that intrigues me.
That’s why I love my spotted Amaryllis, Foxgloves, Tiger lilies and Stargazer lilies so much.
Spots on petals are not like dots of paint. Pigmented cells are in groups.
This gives the spots depth.
This Spotlight Amaryllis has very well-defined spots due to the contrast of red on white.
All four of my new varieties are gorgeous this year. I hope they thrive in the garden.
FLOWER
This may be a new favorite amaryllis. It sparkles in the sunshine.
Its pink has some heat to it. It seems very happy next to my desk.
The test will be how it performs in the garden.
This may be the first time I have ever used the word PIZZAZZ.
It is true for this gorgeous bloom.
FLOWER
(I took four sets of photos, none do this bloom justice.)
It is hard to put a value on my winter flowers. They are not expensive nor exotic. They are, however, treasures to me. I have to work to make it through winter. I must be part plant.
I need the sun. I am an outside dog. I must be under the sky, not under a roof. This winter has been kind so far, but cold will come. Then I will be inside trying to stay alive until spring.
My flowers keep me afloat. They brighten my rooms with their blooms. My colorful, little life rafts hold me up. The Schlumbergeras and amaryllis/hippeastrum save me until spring. For this I am grateful.
FLOW
This title seems like the post will be about wines.
Instead it is the last post about my many amaryllis blooms.
Long ago Red Lion was one of only a few choices.
There were whites without names.
Now there are dozens of hybrids to choose from.
Picotee has the quiet beauty that compliments the reds and the whites at our small pond.
This is another favorite of mine. It deserves a closer look.
The reds and whites are my oldest amaryllis. Not showy, but steadfast.
Picotee is a new addition to the collection.
Flow
floweralley 