Yesterday, I bought two amaryllis bulbs from two different places, one in a red pot from Whole Foods and the other at, horror of horrors, Wal-Mart. I was in this fix because while buying every spring-blooming bulb I could find locally and online, I passed up the mighty amaryllis. I have a habit of doing so. I simply can’t seem to think about both types of bulbs simultaneously.
So, while I was first at Whole Foods for groceries; then, Target to get cat litter; and finally, with Bill at Wally World to buy dog food (due to a mix-up in communication we hit all three in one day), I checked on what each store had left. I found many bulbs had gotten so warm and toasty in their in-box captivity they were already blooming.
So sad to bloom in the dark and such a waste.
If you haven’t already, buy yourself an amaryllis, but also, go ahead and open those boxes, or you might find your amaryllis has already bloomed its little heart out. While you’re at it, look in each for the biggest bulb you can find. In this case, bigger really is better.
After I got them home, within minutes, I had two pots of Hippeastrum growing on my countertop. As I wrote above, the pretty, red pot is from Whole Foods. The Wal-Mart special had a plastic, ‘er container, so I substituted with this one I already had. While out in the garage, I saw I had another empty, cream container. Hmmmm. . . .
Hippeastrum, that’s amaryllis to you and me, and no matter what you call them, they will be beautiful. Not bad for a bulb costing somewhere between $7.97 and $14.99.
Hmm. .I have NEVER tried one, but have always been intrigued to do so!! Might have to peek while shopping tomorrow! Thanks for the coersive narrative 🙂
Dee,
I just bought mine too — courtesy of Smith & Hawkins via Target. $7 on sale — and as you said, two of the seven (I bought them as gifts — but well, you know, we’ll see what happens, because I’m thinkin’ they’d look mighty festive on my dining table lined up like Christmas Carolers) had buds already, but unopened.
I laughed out loud at your Wal-Mart quip — so why is it, my friend, that Wal-Mart thrives and grows — like a weed in our gardens? — when so many of us share similar sentiments about it. Oh, what the heck — It’s Christmas. And with no desire to be like Scrooge, I have enough love within me even to embrace Wal-Mart — as long as my husband comes with me.
Janell
so far I have resisted the amaryllis, but I am in lust for succulents. I’m also Giving Away a copy of Debra Lee Baldwin’s book Succulent Container Gardens to celebrate my 4th blogoversary. The drawing will be Dec. 7.
Bought a red Amaryllis the day before yesterday. I bought it to replace one which grew and flowered in the box before it was planted last year. What a waste! This time, we’ve bought just the bulb. No box, no pot, no growing medium. That way (I hope) we’ll not forget it. (Except it’s still on the kitchen table.)
Now I think I must look for one when I do errands Friday….
I almost succumbed to the lure of the species Hippeastrum today but managed to resist. Now you’re making me wonder if I did the right thing … it’s not THAT far to Enchanted Gardens … maybe I should support my local independent nursery again tomorrow?
I also forget to order Amaryllis. I ended up buying one at a local garden center on a whim, and it’s already about to bloom because I forgot about it in the house for a couple of weeks. Oh, well. It’ll bloom in December instead of January. Maybe I can get this one to bloom again next year.
I was on the fence as to whether or not I should get an amaryllis this year. I think you’ve convinced me to do it. 🙂
My favorite!! I hope they bloom soon Dee. I can’t seem to stop myself from buying them!
this is the first year i saved mine over from last year, actually got them to go dormant for a while, and then replanted them at the end of october! we will see if they bloom again…i rather doubt i fertilized them enough. i noticed they are still $5 at my wal-mart and only a little more at target. well worth the investment, even if you throw them out after they bloom, i think.
Don’t we just love these cheerful flowers no matter where they come from. You make me want to go out and find some to get started before Christmas.
Just when we think we’re done with gardening…….Dee reminds us that amarylis bulbs are just waiting for us! I bought two at Horn Seed in OKC. They have a great selection of bare bulbs. I got two hot pink (I hope) Candy Floss. They should be lovely with my pink, purple, turquoise & lime green Christmas decorations. (I’ve seen so much red & green in the stores since July I just had to go another way!)
Oooh, Vickie, won’t that be pretty! I must come and see.
I never think about getting amaryllis. Will consider peaking at the boxes next time I am at Target. I do like that green container. xogail
Gail, you should. They will brighten up your winter. I promise.
Hey, Honey-bunny– Oh, I adore amarylis! Maybe I’ll treat myself today, but I have them growing in a number of places in my yard, planted by an angel years ago. Only this year they did not not bloom, not one. Why? What do I need to do? Maybe the drought?
Love,
CurtissAnn
who is so pleased she finally noticed a sign-up for email sub to Reddirtramblings!
Curtiss Ann, I finally found a signup button which actually worked. Yea! I’m betting the drought sapped your amaryllis strength last summer. It was one terrible summer here too.