With its vibrant color and enchanting bloom, an amaryllis is a much-welcomed addition to indoor spaces. This is especially true through the holiday season, and winter, when these plants are most commonly forced into flower. Giant amaryllis varieties are of special interest, due to their general ease of growth and magnificent floral displays. But, what does it take to grow your own potted specimens? In this guide, we will take a closer look at selecting your own bulbs and how to care for the giant amaryllis.
Choosing the Best Giant Amaryllis Varieties
In general, the term “giant” amaryllis plant is used to refer to the size of bulbs. Giant or jumbo sizes are among the largest available to growers. With holiday amaryllis varieties, the bulb size will correlate directly to the production of flowers and the overall size of forced plants, so you can expect larger bulbs to yield the greatest number of stems and flowers.
Though their blooms can vary, these amaryllis will generally result in the growth of at least 2-3 flower stems, producing multiple buds each. In addition to size, gardeners should consider color and weeks to maturity when selecting varieties that best suit their needs.
1. Luna Jumbo
Luna Jumbo remains among the best giant amaryllis bulbs if you’re in search of crisp color. Its large flowers open in groups of four, each petal ranging in pristine shades of chartreuse and white. Single flowers lend themselves well to formal decor, allowing for a more modern, clean aesthetic. The plants grow quickly, bursting to bloom in as little as 4-5 weeks from planting. This makes the variety ideal for use throughout the holiday season and in gifting.
2. Pink Rival Jumbo
Unmatched in terms of color, Pink Rival Jumbo amaryllis plants will dazzle guests with their striking magenta hues. Its pink blooms open quickly, with single flowers spanning approximately 7 in. (18 cm) across. These plants are well-suited to forcing throughout the holiday season, provided the bulbs are given an early start. Though the variety is most traditionally grown indoors, outdoor gardeners have found amaryllis care possible in USDA zones 8-10.
3. Red Pearl Jumbo
Red Pearl Jumbo is most treasured for its striking black-burgundy color. Single red petals unfurl to reveal attractive, velvety throats and yellow stamens. Expect jumbo bulbs of this type to produce multiple stems, each with even larger clusters of flowers. These plants will generally begin to bloom approximately 8-12 weeks from planting, making the variety a good choice for extending the flowering period of potted amaryllis plants through winter.
4. Rose Quartz
Found throughout the holiday season, Rose Quartz remains among the most favored pink giant amaryllis flowers. With jumbo-sized bulbs, it will dependably produce 2-3 flower spikes, each maturing in as little as 7-9 weeks from planting. Compact plants are ideal for use in tablescapes and holiday decor, adding a warm festive feel to gatherings.
5. Stardust Jumbo
The Stardust Jumbo amaryllis has a unique, candy-like coloration. Its flowers open to reveal crisp white petals, streaked with brilliant red-pink markings. Since this variety will bloom approximately 7-9 weeks from planting, it’s a good choice for enlivening indoor spaces throughout the holidays. Gardeners have also found success maintaining the plant outdoors throughout USDA zones 8-10.
6. Terra Cotta Star Jumbo
Terra Cotta Star Jumbo amaryllis are beloved for their soft, pastel tones. Blooming in as little as 7-9 weeks, delicate single flowers are held high atop sturdy stems. Though these plants may benefit from additional support, it is only seldom required.
Like other holiday types, forced plants like amaryllis can be allowed to grow throughout the remainder of winter to encourage them to rebloom.
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