Pictures of the Stunning Amaryllis Flower

The amaryllis is a beautiful and popular flower that is widely grown for its gorgeous blooms. With large trumpet-shaped flowers packed densely along erect stalks amaryllis make a striking statement in gardens, centerpieces, and floral arrangements.

Overview of the Amaryllis

The amaryllis bulb plant, also known as Hippeastrum, is a tender perennial from South America that is easy to grow. They can bloom from late fall through early spring, adding weeks of vibrant color when not much else is flowering. When grown indoors, amaryllis usually bloom 6-8 weeks after planting. Each bulb produces multiple straplike leaves and a flower stalk with 2-12 spectacular blooms per stalk. The flowers last approximately 2-3 weeks.

Amaryllis bulbs are often sold packaged with the bulb already potted in soil and the tips just peeking out, making them one of the easiest bulbs to plant and grow. All they require to trigger blooming is warm indoor temperatures and regular watering. Once potted, amaryllis like to be slightly root-bound and require repotting every 2-3 years.

Popular Types of Amaryllis

There are over 600 named amaryllis hybrids and varieties While generally associated with red, amaryllis flowers come in a rainbow of colors including pink, peach, white, purple, salmon, and variegated. Some of the most popular amaryllis varieties include

• Red: These classics include cultivars like ‘Rilona’ with velvety, vivid red 4-5 inch blooms and ‘Lucky Star’ featuring large 6-7 inch cherry-red blossoms.

• White: Cultivars such as ‘Ice Queen’ and ‘Ivory Jewel’ produce elegant white flowers in 4-6 inch sizes.

• Pink: Varieties like ‘Rosy Star’ and ‘Miami’ offer soft pink hues with blooms reaching up to 5 inches across.

• Multicolor: Bicolored varieties like ‘Picotee’ have white petals edged in scarlet while ‘Exotic Star’ offers dramatic purple markings and lime throats.

Growing Amaryllis Year-Round

Amaryllis can be grown as potted plants year round or planted outdoors in warm climates.

Indoors: Give them bright, indirect light and temperatures around 70°F. Water sparingly until growth starts, then regularly. Stop watering once they bloom. After flowering, cut back the faded stalks and water to promote reblooming.

Outdoors: In frost-free areas, amaryllis can be planted directly in the ground in well-draining soil. Provide full sun to partial shade and consistent moisture. After the first killing frost, dig up bulbs, let them dry out, and store in a cool dark place until ready to replant in early spring.

Forced Bulbs: Place dormant bulbs in a pot, water sparingly until growth appears, then place in a sunny window and water regularly. Once they bloom, toss the bulbs or save them for replanting in the garden after the threat of frost has passed.

Stunning Amaryllis Flower Pictures

The vibrant flowers and striking form of amaryllis make them a favorite photographic subject. Here are some beautiful pictures depicting the unique beauty of amaryllis blooms:

• Close-ups highlighting the details of thick, fleshy petals, prominent stamens, and throats in intense colors. The texture and form of the flowers really stand out.

• Open blooms and buds clustered along upright, robust flower stalks. The massed effect of multiple blooms is dramatic.

• Spotlit amaryllis complementing holiday decor and settings. Their saturated colors and full form gives bold pops of color.

• Paired with other flowers and greens in arranged bouquets and centerpieces. Amaryllis add focal emphasis and interest.

• Photos capturing the progression from tight bud to open bloom to faded flower. Each stage has its own distinct look.

• Images from above depicting the geometric pattern of packed hexagonal flowers along angular stems.

• Wide shots of amaryllis in home and garden settings. They make quite an impression in their surroundings.

• Pictures frozen in time showing raindrops, melting frost, and other seasonal elements on the statuesque flowers.

• Dramatic portraits and macro-lens images getting up close and highlighting intriguing details.

Tips for Photographing Amaryllis

Amaryllis flowers make excellent photographic subjects. Here are some tips for capturing eye-catching shots of these seasonal stunners:

• Focus on showing off the saturation and texture of the blooms. Use macro lenses for detailed close-ups.

• Photograph buds and blooms in all stages. Capture the progression from first bud to spent flower.

• Look for interesting perspectives like from below, above, or shot alongside the blooms.

• Use natural light near sunrise or sunset for dramatic directional lighting and color.

• Try shooting translucent blooms backlit or spotlit to accentuate their form.

• Add holiday elements like ornaments, pine cones, evergreen boughs to complement the flowers.

• Include compositional elements like leading lines, frames, shallow depth of field, patterns, and textures.

• Experiment with black & white to focus on form, shape, and high-contrast drama.

• Take pictures throughout the weeks-long blooming period to showcase change over time.

Growing and Enjoying these Beloved Bulbs

With a wide range of colors and bloom styles to suit any taste, it’s easy to see why amaryllis are treasured for their breathtaking flowers and satisfying growth habit. They lend beauty to indoor spaces through the cold winter months and their strap-like foliage adds a tropical flair to gardens once planted outside. Amaryllis bulbs can be replanted and rebloomed annually for years of spectacular winter flowers. With proper care, you can enjoy these exotic beauties season after season.

Yes, with proper care, amaryllis bulbs can bloom every year. After they finish blooming, they need to store energy in their bulb through their leaves to prepare for the next blooming cycle.

Yes, in warmer climates (USDA zones 9-11 and sometimes 8), amaryllis bulbs can be left in the ground year-round. They can be planted in pots or directly in the ground and will typically flower in the spring.