Hippeastrum

Three Clowns and an Apple Blossom

| Flower Roberts

May is definitely circus month for my Amaryllis.

The clowns are putting on their biggest show ever.

Monte Carlo has on its brightest red and white costume. Pink Surprise is pretty in flashy pink. Apple Blossom is the rice between spice.

Minerva has formed a crowd above the stone wall.

Minerva amaryllis

Charisma has toned down the contrast of its costume with a blending of pigments.

Charisma amaryllis

Monte Carlo refuses to blend in with the surroundings.

Monte Carlo amaryllis

Apple Blossom has too much dignity to clown around and show off.

Apple Blossom amaryllis

I consider it the amaryllis for all locations.

I love each amaryllis for its own character.

Stay tuned. There are more beside the pond surrounded by ferns.

The show will go on!

Flow

Bold and Beautiful

| Flower Roberts

I know that I have referred to these as my garden clowns.

They are too big and too bright to fit into the landscape.

‘Pink Surprise’ Amaryllis

The truth is they are crazy happy outside and grow bigger and better than they ever could in a pot.

‘Moon Scene’ Amaryllis

I give myself a different one each Christmas.

I have lost some in the past, until I developed a method of planting that protects them from rotting or being eaten.

The secret is lava rocks. I make a nest of rocks around each as I plant it.

This “lava rock nest” improves drainage and discourages diggers and munchers.

Now they survive and thrive in the garden.

All the other flowers pale in comparison to these show-offs.

I need their audacious blooms in the winter, so I keep collecting them.

‘Half and Half’ Amayrllis

They continue to grow and multiply and upstage the other flowers in May.

I do love my bold and beautiful garden clowns.

Stay tuned for more clowns and a famous actress.

FLOWER