focal · moderate · premium
Amaryllis
Hippeastrum · aka knight's star
The amaryllis is the December power flower — a single stem carries 2–4 trumpet blooms that can reach 20 cm across. Red amaryllis is a Christmas staple; blush and white cultivars carry weight in winter weddings. Beware the fragile hollow stem — a bamboo skewer inserted from the base gives structural support for tall arrangements.
At a glance
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | South America; commercially grown Netherlands, South Africa |
| Peak season | November, December, January, February |
| Availability | October to March |
| Stem length | 50–90 cm |
| Vase life | 7–14 days |
| Colors | white, cream, pink, salmon, red, burgundy, bicolor |
| Price tier | premium |
Conditioning
Cut on a diagonal. Hollow, fragile stem — insert a thin bamboo skewer into the stem for structural support in tall arrangements.
Care in the vase
- •Hollow stem collapses under head weight — support with a skewer if arranging tall
- •Keep water shallow (5 cm)
- •Each stem carries 2–4 trumpet flowers that open sequentially
- •The winter alternative to lilies for scale without fragrance
Design role & symbolism
Symbolismpride, determination, radiant beauty
Occasionswinter events, Christmas, editorial
Substitutesoriental lily
winterdramaticchristmas
