Warm Up Your Winter With Indoor Reds! 8 Red Amaryllis Varieties For Sizzling Seasonal Interest

With their rapid growth and ease of care, amaryllis is ideal for growing indoors through the holiday season and winter weeks. Traditional red amaryllis flowers remain popular for adding a bright burst of color to mantelpieces, dinner tables, patios and conservatories. They are certainly some of the most vibrant types of amaryllis you can keep.

A plant that’s well-suited to inside decor, potted amaryllis plants are commonly incorporated into tablescapes and festive windowsills where they are able to receive ample light. After the holidays are over, many have the potential to keep delighting through the chilly months. But how does one go about choosing the best red amaryllis bulbs for forcing through winter? Here are some of the most common red amaryllis varieties you can keep and cultivate.

Choosing the Best Red Amaryllis Varieties

Though red amaryllis plants will grow readily indoors, some varieties may be better suited than others. When growing bulbs for the first time, you should look for species that are recommended for forcing. These types of red amaryllis are often praised for both their early bloom time and prolific production of flowers. For anyone looking to grow amaryllis that stay at their best for as long as possible, buy large, firm bulbs at planting time to ensure the best floral displays. Other characteristics to consider include the overall size of the plant at maturity, flower form and likelihood of rebloom.

1. Cherry Nymph

Blooming in as little as eight weeks, Cherry Nymph is one the best giant red amaryllis for growth through the holiday season and also amongst the best winter flowers for pots once the holidays end. Growers can expect strong, sturdy stems, capable of holding multiple flowers each. The plant's beauty is further enhanced by its fully-double form, opening to reveal an abundance of highly-saturated red petals.

2. Desire

Desire amaryllis are known for their bright orange-red color. Large, single flowers are held high above stems, evoking a sense of joy and adding vibrancy to indoor spaces. As each bulb will begin blooming eight-ten weeks from planting, this variety is a good choice for holiday porch plants and beyond, so you can enjoy the beauty of amaryllis throughout the winter season. Especially tall plants may require staking.

3. Double Dragon

Prized for their true-red tones, Double Dragon amaryllises always garner attention for anyone after fancy flowers other than poinsettias as striking seasonal bloomers. Compact plants that are ideal for use in containers, these perform well through the holidays. Displays can often continue through the new year due to their impressive long-lived blooms. Each flower has a double habit, allowing for a fuller, ruffled look.

4. Double King

Another attractive double-form type, Double King is known for its flower production. Gardeners can expect large numbers of blooms, often more than four per stem, so you might need to stake amaryllis plants. Bright red flowers take on a more formal appearance, with petals demonstrating consistent arrangement and symmetry. Staggered bloom further extends floral displays, persisting well over several weeks.

5. Ferrari

True to its name, Ferrari remains a favorite of those in search of rapid growth. Those planting the variety for the first time can expect flowers in as little as five-six weeks, making them ideal for use in holiday decor and gifting. For anyone looking for giant amaryllis varieties, this plant produces large, single blooms which unfurl to reveal brilliant shades of cardinal red with prominent yellow stamens.

6. Mandela

Mandela amaryllis are most noted for their deep burgundy tones and soft, velvet appearance. Their ease of care and beauty in home decor further lends to their popularity as some of the best winter indoor plants over the holidays and beyond, with many opting to plant this fast-growing type. As the buds set early, most bulbs will begin to open in as little as five-six weeks from planting.

7. Royal Velvet

Inspired by its lush appearance and maroon flowers, Royal Velvet amaryllis is unmatched in color. Large yellow stamens contrast against deep burgundy petals, giving each bloom added depth and dimension. Its flowers persist through the holiday season, opening over several weeks. Their small stature and compact growth habit further lend themselves to indoor growth and use in holiday decor.

8. Red Lion

Rated among the best traditional types for holiday varieties with real staying power into the depths of winter, Red Lion offers impressive red amaryllis flower color and hardiness. This variety is highly productive, with each plant producing multiple stems per bulb. Though it’s suited for the holiday season, an early start is essential, as each will require at least 12 weeks from planting before they bloom.

Other Dazzling Indoor Plant Ideas

• Stuck for ideas to fill a particular room of your home? Steal some inspiration from our perfect houseplant combinations for bathrooms, bedrooms, and more.
• Cultivate unique interiors with exquisite easy-care varieties of houseplants that are low on fuss and high on visual impact.
• Dreaming of the ultimate contemporary containers for chilled modern living? We round up the essential modern houseplants to create an uber-chic abode.
• Craving the hottest houseplant ideas for your home this year? Read our houseplant trends to discover the super-stunning indoor kings to boss those interior spaces.
• Need new tools or tubs for your indoor gardening projects? Browse the Gardening Know How Shop’s curated Indoor Gardening section for your go-to garden kit.

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