Amaryllis
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.
| 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 |
Cut on a diagonal. Hollow, fragile stem — insert a thin bamboo skewer into the stem for structural support in tall arrangements.
- •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
3 named amaryllis cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Amaryllis in season?
Amaryllis peaks in November, December, January, February, and florists can usually source it October to March. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Amaryllis last in a vase?
Expect 7–14 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What does Amaryllis symbolise?
Amaryllis is associated with pride, determination, radiant beauty.
How do you care for cut Amaryllis?
Hollow stem collapses under head weight — support with a skewer if arranging tall
