The amaryllis is a tender, flowering bulb, originally from the Andes Mountains of Chile and Peru. The plant was named after a shepherdess in Greek mythology. The amaryllis was discovered in 1828 by Eduard Frederich Poeppig, a young physician from Leipzig, on a plant hunting expedition in Chile. Amaryllis bulbs are usually available in the fall and in Saskatchewan are treated as houseplants.
Colors range from pure white to salmon, pink, and red.
Bulbs can be brought into bloom from late fall until early spring, blooming from 6-8 weeks after planting. Given proper treatment, they will continue to bloom for several years, usually in winter. Potting - Purchase large, firm bulbs which show only the scars or stubs of old foliage, but no new leaves. Use a light, well-drained potting mixture containing some peat moss. Firm the soil and water well.