Hippeastrum

Moonstruck by Moonscene

| Flower Roberts

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.

Moonscene

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Double Dragon

| Flower Roberts

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.

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Waiting for Picotee

| Flower Roberts

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.

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Spotlight’s Spots

| Flower Roberts

There is something about spots on flowers that intrigues me.

Spotlight Amaryllis

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.

Spotlight’s spots under a microscope

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.

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Pink Pizzazz Sparkles

| Flower Roberts

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.

Pink Pizzazz

It is true for this gorgeous bloom.

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(I took four sets of photos, none do this bloom justice.)

Reds, Whites and Picotee

| Flower Roberts

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.

Picotee Amaryllis

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My Red Ferrari

| Flower Roberts

I thought I would splurge on myself this year.

So when I saw it, I knew I should have it.

That sparkle! That racy red!

It has gotten some dust on it.

No matter.

It is just what I need to keep me facing forward.

Rushing fast to a brighter future and ignoring the rearview.

The petal

Happy Holidays.

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Garden Clowns

| Flower Roberts

I love big, bright, blooming Amaryllis inside during the winter, but they seem comical outside in spring.

These poor Beauty Queens did not ask to be hybridized into showy giants.

‘Monte Carlo’ Amaryllis

They would probably rather be tall, ugly weeds than painted, potted flowers.

But they did not get to make the choice of whether to be wild or tame.

‘Charisma’ Amaryllis

So here they are, comically colorful clowns in the garden.

Too big and too bright to be taken seriously.

‘Minerva’ Amaryllis

Just as man intended, not as nature recommended.

‘Half-and-Half’ Amaryllis

Manipulated for man’s enjoyment.

I am and will continue to be a tall, ugly weed.

(‘Identity’ poem by Julio Naboa Polanco)

 

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Stay safe, Stay Home, Wear a Mask (even if you are a man)

Amaryllis Outside

| Flower Roberts

I hope you did not toss that big bulb that bloomed over the holidays.

Here in the south, we can grow them in the garden.

I try several new varieties each Christmas.

Some have disappeared over the years.

I have wondered whether they were eaten or rotted.

I have found a solution that works for either problem.

I call it a “Rock Nest.”

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Here I have used some lava rock. You can use any rocks or broken pots or bricks.

The point is to surround the bulb with material to help with drainage

and to protect it from digging critters that snack on our bulbs,

I also amend the soil because we have quite a bit of red clay here.

Be sure to mark your bulbs.

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Also, take note of the height. Pink Surprise is tall and goes in the back of the bed.

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Moon Scene was short so it goes in the front.

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They like sun and warmth.

Don’t toss that bulb! Plant it outside.

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