The Mother's Day Amaryllis

People buy amaryllis bulbs in WallyWorld, at the drug store, at Michaels, and at garden centers.

They buy these bulbs from late October through the end of the year.  Sometimes they come in pretty pots.  The maintenance to display ratio is overbalanced toward beauty.

The thing is, they are bought as a Christmas flower.  The red blooms and bright green stems complement the holiday decor.  In April, between Easter and Mother's Day, my tchotchkes tend toward the pastels.  

Apparently, this bulb never got the memo.

The first year, it bloomed in January.  Over time, its internal clock has reset itself, relentlessly moving forward through the year.  The thick leaves have been anchoring the giant pot just outside our front door, surrounded by pink and white vinca and the occasional gladiola, for quite a while.  

The flowers opened this weekend.  I broke off the stalk and brought them inside.  

We just got home. I have no particular decorations anywhere.  The flowers are a bright burst of color against the rainy (finally!!!!) skies. I suppose it really shouldn't bother me that they are 4 months late.