Why red became the Christmas colour
Red cultivars of Hippeastrum, such as the well-known 'Red Lion', are the ones that florists and garden centres hold for December. The colour fits the season, and the flowers open in about six to eight weeks, so bulbs started in October can bloom for the holidays.
Making the flowering last
Red flowers tend to open fast in a warm room, so help them along by not overheating.
- Aim for a bright spot at 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.
- Water from the saucer rather than over the bulb.
- Rotate the pot every day or two to keep the stem upright.
Planting for a Christmas bloom
Pot the bulb in autumn, then count about two months. A heavy bulb with healthy roots flowers earlier, and a bulb sold already waxed needs no water at all. Leave the waxed type alone, though it can be harder to reuse later.
Red amaryllis traditionally speaks of strength and passion, which is why it appears in winter gifts. In an Irish home it often sits on a table at Christmas, when the days are short and the light is low.
Keeping the bulb for next year
Cut the spent stems, feed the leaves, and let the bulb dry off in late summer. After a rest of two months or so, start it again.
Pets
The ASPCA warns that amaryllis is toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea and tremors listed. The bulb carries the highest concentration of lycorine. Keep the pot well out of reach of animals and children.
