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Wednesday, April 28, 2021

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. 

 
 

6 comments:

  1. I received an amaryllis for Christmas. It bloomed and was beautiful. After the blooms faded and the stock died back, I trimmed it and transplanted it to my garden, with some friends rich mulch. Now it has decided to grow back and the stock is now almost a foot tall. Not sure if it will bloom again, but it is thriving.

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  2. I've had one amaryllis in my life. Very aggravating, wouldn't bloom, just sat there. Pretty sure I have the black thumb of death for many plants.

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    Replies
    1. I don't do well with indoor plants; Little Cuter is the master of propagation and development.
      a/b

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  3. I just had a bright red one bloom that had been held over from a previous year and was living in the greenhouse. It's fading now but has been lovely sitting in its pot by a sunny window, inside.

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    Replies
    1. My bulb is still in the outdoor container, storing up energy from the leaves while we enjoy the flowers inside.
      a/b

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