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Amaryllis Care: Enhance the Beauty of Your Bouquets
Amaryllis, with their spectacular trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant colours, add unrivalled drama to any bouquet. Often associated with winter holidays, amaryllis bring a touch of festive cheer throughout the year. Here's a guide from KS Flowers on maximising the lifespan of your amaryllis blooms, ensuring they grace your home with their striking presence for as long as possible.
Choosing the Freshest Amaryllis
Your amaryllis care journey begins with selecting a vibrant bouquet. Look for:
- A Mix of Buds & Blooms: Choose amaryllis stems with a combination of slightly open blooms and tight buds. This ensures a long-lasting display.
- Vibrant Colour: Opt for amaryllis with rich, saturated colours and avoid any with faded or discoloured petals.
- Sturdy Stems: Look for thick, sturdy stems that can support the large flower heads. Check for any signs of damage or wilting.
Amaryllis Care at Home
- Clean Vase: Thoroughly wash your vase with warm, soapy water to eliminate bacteria that can shorten flower lifespan.
- Fresh Cut: Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle, removing about an inch off the bottom. This maximises water absorption.
- Prevent split ends: use tape to tape it around right at the bottom, about an inch from the very bottom
- Hydration is Key: Fill your vase with cool, clean water. Amaryllis have hollow stems, so ensure the vase is well-filled.
- Flower Food: Add flower food to the water to provide essential nutrients and help your amaryllis last longer.
- Consider Support: The large blooms can get heavy. Use floral stakes, or lean the stems against the vase edge for support.
- Cool Location: Keep your amaryllis bouquet away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources. They prefer a cool, slightly shaded spot.
Additional Tips for Long-Lasting Amaryllis
- Change the Water Frequently: Amaryllis stems release sap into the water. Change the water every day or two to prevent bacteria build-up.
- Recur the Stems: Periodically re-trim the stems at an angle to maintain optimal water uptake.
- Enjoy the Transformation: Each amaryllis stem can produce multiple, spectacular blooms that open in succession, providing an ever-changing display.
Enjoy Your Beautiful Amaryllis!
With proper care, your amaryllis bouquet can bring stunning beauty and a touch of drama into your home for a week or sometimes longer.
Delivery Options for Your Perfect Bouquet
Whether you're in the Northampton area or across the UK, KS Flowers has you covered. We offer local Northampton delivery to ensure your chrysanthemums arrive at their freshest. Need your bouquet shipped nationwide? We provide reliable and careful delivery options across the country.
The KS Flowers Difference
At KS Flowers, we're passionate about bringing the beauty and optimism of chrysanthemums into your life. Our experienced florists hand-select the freshest blooms and expertly craft them into stunning bouquets. We pride ourselves on personalized service, attention to detail, and a commitment to exceeding your expectations.
History of Amaryllis
- South American Roots: Amaryllis are native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, a stark contrast to their association with winter holidays.
- A Case of Mistaken Identity: Originally classified as lilies, they were later deemed different enough to form their own genus, Hippeastrum, though the common name "amaryllis" persists.
- Victorian Symbolism: Victorians adored the amaryllis for its exotic blooms, and it became a symbol of splendid beauty and determination.
- Modern-Day Favourite: Today, amaryllis remain a beloved cut flower and potted plant, prized for their dramatic blooms and festive association.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Amaryllis
- Incredible Bloom Size: Some amaryllis varieties produce enormous flowers, measuring up to 20cm across!
- Colour Extravaganza: While classic red is common, amaryllis now come in white, pink, orange, salmon, striped, and even double-flowered forms!
- Reblooming Potential (Potted): With proper care, potted amaryllis bulbs can be coaxed to rebloom in subsequent years, though the blooms may be smaller.
- Holiday Symbolism: Amaryllis represent pride, determination, and radiant beauty, making them a fitting gift during the festive season and beyond.
