Amaryllis Meaning — Symbolism, Colours & Gifting
What do amaryllis symbolise? Their meaning in the language of flowers, colour by colour, plus when to give them — a florist's gifting guide.
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.
TL;DR. amaryllis stand for pride, determination and radiant beauty in the language of flowers. Colour shifts the message — red for love, white for purity, pink for gratitude.
What amaryllis symbolise
In the language of flowers amaryllis carry meanings of pride, determination and radiant beauty. A bouquet is never only decorative — the flower you choose, and the colour you choose it in, is a message. That is what makes amaryllis such a considered gift: they say something the card alone cannot.
For the botany, varieties and full profile, see the Amaryllis encyclopedia entry.
amaryllis by colour — what each shade says
amaryllis come in several colours, and each one tilts the meaning:
- White amaryllis — purity, sympathy and fresh starts.
- Cream amaryllis — understated, quiet elegance.
- Pink amaryllis — gratitude, admiration and gentle affection.
- Red amaryllis — love and passion.
- Burgundy amaryllis — deep, committed love.
- Bi-colour amaryllis — a message with two sides.
Browse arrangements and pairings by shade in the flowers by colour guide.
When to give amaryllis
amaryllis are a natural fit for Christmas. Match the colour to the sentiment — love, thanks, congratulations or comfort — and the bouquet does the talking. For seasonal timing and what pairs well, see the Amaryllis entry.
amaryllis in a meaningful bouquet
Meaning works best when it is intentional. Choose the colour for the message, keep the number of stems in mind (in many traditions odd numbers are for joy), and let the recipient know what the flowers say. Then give them the care they deserve — see how to keep amaryllis fresh — so the message lasts as long as possible.
From the Lacy Bird studio. This guide is written by our florists. We deliver seasonal flowers across the UAE — see flower delivery in Dubai — and we teach floristry, from a first bouquet to running your own shop, at the Lacy Bird Academy.
Related reading:
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