Not Seeing Red — Amaryllis Bulbs for the Holidays and Beyond

How and why red became the color of Christmas is up for debate. Some trace it back to medieval times or even earlier. Whatever the reasons, this is the season for red, and for holiday-themed plants that means holly, poinsettias and amaryllis.

By the time January rolls around, many of us are eager to see something other than red. Amaryllis make it easy to satisfy that craving, because while it’s hard to top a velvety red amaryllis, there are some truly spectacular alternatives. Plant a few bulbs now and you’ll have flowers blooming throughout January and February. Here’s a quick look at a few of the options.

If you try just one alternative to red, make it this one. Exotica is a totally gorgeous color — coral pink with a green reverse. The patterns on the petals remind me of butterfly wings.

I am crazy about green zinnias, green nicotiana, green hydrangeas…and green amaryllis. If you have yet to grow a green amaryllis, please do. They are fresh, exotic and surprisingly beautiful. This winter I’ll be growing both Evergreen and Magic Green.

Though it’s named Christmas Gift , the flowers of this frosty white amaryllis bring to mind the crisp air and blue skies of January. For an extra dose of elegance, grow White Nymph. The extra-large, extra-double blossoms are snowy white with a hint of apple green.

Sweet Nymph is another high performing double amaryllis. Its flowers are the rose-pink color of flamingos and they measure more than 8″ across. Apple Blossom is another beautiful option. It’s a time-tested classic with sugar pink blossoms, white highlights and a green throat.

When February rolls around, red will be back for Valentine’s Day. Last year I was wowed by a two-tone amaryllis named Splash. There’s something over-the-top happy about its red and white striped flowers. Though you can’t count on having Splash bloom on February 14th, it will capture your heart when it does.

Now’s the time to order these amaryllis bulbs — while we have many different varieties to choose from. You can give them as holiday gifts or squirrel them away for January and February birthdays, housewarming presents and get well gifts. Click here to see our full selection of red — and not-red — amaryllis!