Introducing: The Now Blooming program! Each month, we’ll be featuring and selling a brand new flower as part of our “Now Blooming” collection. This March, we’re kicking off the spring season with the Hercules amaryllis! In honor of this beautiful, limited edition arrangement, here are a few little known facts about everyone’s favorite fuchsia flower.
Its Name is Rooted In Mythology
Greek mythology tells us the story of Amaryllis, a love-struck woman who fell madly in love with a handsome, yet aloof man named Alteo. Desperate for his love, she pierced her heart with a golden arrow and walked to his cottage everyday. As she walked, drops of blood trailed behind her. On the thirteenth day, vibrant, scarlet flowers bloomed along her trail of blood. For the first time, when Amaryllis arrived at his door, Alteo was overwhelmed with love for her. Amaryllis’ heart healed, the two lived happily ever after, and one of our favorite flowers got its name – the Hercules amaryllis.
They’re Not Just a Christmas Flower
In the six weeks prior to Christmas, nearly 60 million dollars worth of amaryllis’ and poinsettias are sold. But while amaryllis’ are traditionally thought of as a holiday season staple, they’re actually native to more tropical regions and bloom in the spring. Poinsettias and Hercules amaryllis’ became a Christmas favorite predominantly because of their beautiful, bright red coloring and ability to grow indoors.
Amaryllis’ “Sparkle”
Okay, while the plant itself may not exactly sparkle, its name translates to, “to sparkle” in Greek. It was believed that the flower was so beautiful, it could make anyone who looked at it sparkle with joy and delight.
There was Some Confusion Surrounding Its Name
Amaryllis is the only genus in the subtribe Amaryllideae. For years, there was some confusion among botanists regarding the name and classification of Amaryllis and Hippeastrum. It was finally decided that “amaryllis” would be the name for cultivators and the genus would be Hippeastrum.
They are Native to Brazil, but Raised in Holland
Though amaryllis’ originated in South America, it wasn’t until Holland became the leading bulb grower and distributor that they became popular in the United States.
They Come in More Than Just Red
Though red is the most popular choice of color for these flowers, they also bloom in shades of orange, pink, white, and salmon. There are even some that are striped and multicolored.
These Flowers Take Their Time…
The seeds of an amaryllis are very slow growing. To go from seed to plant typically takes around six years. And while the plant grows from a bulb in about 12 weeks, it can take up to five years for a “mother” amaryllis to produce a marketable “daughter” bulb.
…But They’re Worth The Wait
If an amaryllis is properly cared for, it can survive for nearly 75 years! With time, the bulbs get bigger, and produce more flower stems – meaning they only get better with age. Amaryllis plants are easy to care for because they only need occasional waterings and an average amount of sunlight. They’re also durable and can be replanted several times a year.
If you want to get your hands on the Hercules amaryllis, you better act fast because this product is only available while supplies last!
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