Springtime morning dew kisses an outdoor amaryllis.
Photo by L.A. Jackson
Whether as a bulb-in-a-box or a full-blown, flowering pretty, the living delight known as amaryllis (Hippeastrum sp.) is a nice gardener’s gift to give as well as receive during the holiday season. The forced blooms of this botanical beauty can deliver much-needed cheer to comfort backyard growers through the dreary days of deep winter while they wait for the new spring.
But when its flowers fade and warming temperatures entice gardeners to go out and play, what becomes of amaryllis? One nifty solution is to take it with you. Although they can spend their lives as houseplants, the amaryllis selections typically sold as Christmas baubles are hardy enough to thrive in Lowcountry gardens and, with some winter protection, can do well throughout the rest of the state, too. And as a bonus, if you are dealing with deer, take note: They are Bambi-resistant.
After its wintertime show, snip off spent blooms, keep the amaryllis in a bright, warm room until the last average frost date in the spring, and then introduce it to your garden. If possible, pick a site that receives plenty of sun but is a bit shady during the late day summer heat.
The planting area should be well-draining—a raised bed is ideal—and have prepared, rich soil with a dusting of time-release bulb fertilizer mixed in. Remove the bulb from its pot, gently stretch out the root mass and set it in so the bulb’s top inch is just above the soil line. Adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the bulb will help conserve moisture through hot, dry periods.
Your amaryllis will probably spend its first year outside in blossomless transition. If it produces any flowers, after they fade, cut them off to prevent any energy being wasted in seed production. From May through August, treat the plant to a light application of low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer each month.
With the coming of winter, after the leaves die back, snip them off. As the amaryllis goes dormant, refresh the mulch to maintain its 2- to 3-inch thickness around the bulb for natural insulation against any nasty cold snaps.
With such care, by the time its second year outside in the garden rolls around, your amaryllis should become a dependable springtime bloomer—and that is when you can pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
December in the Garden
•If the wisteria in your landscape went wild this year, now is the time to tame this beast by severely pruning it back.
•Want to find out the nutrient needs of your garden before next spring? December is a good month to have your soil tested by the experts at Clemson University. Download the Clemson Extension guide to soil testing at https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/soil-testing/ and review the article “Digging up answers with soil samples.”
•With food sources shrinking as winter closes in, your feathered garden friends will appreciate it if you keep the bird feeder filled with seed and suet. Also, change the bird bath’s water at least once a week.
Tip of the Month
Fall-planted pansies can be one of the visual workhorses of winter as well as early spring gardens. If you want to keep their flower power going strong through the next four to five months, site pansies in a sunny location with well-worked soil and water them if it hasn’t rained in over a week. Also, deadhead spent flowers and give the plants a light monthly feeding of low-nitrogen fertilizer.
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L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener magazine. Contact him at lajackson1@gmail.com.