Apple Blossom Amaryllis Update
Sunday, May 28, 2017 at 7:50PM Two years ago I published a post, Plans to Grow My Apple Blossom Amaryllis in the Ground, regarding a beautiful amaryllis I had received as a Mother's Day gift. Amaryllis plants are hardy in my area, so later that year in the fall I planted it in a sunny spot next to the patio. Last year I was disappointed when it produced lovely foliage but no blooms.
Why no blooms? Too much nitrogen fertilizer or soil that is too rich could be a culprit. Poor drainage is another possibility. I did not think any of these factors applied to my amaryllis. Too much shade? I eyed an overhanging dogwood branch and considered the possibility. Sun floods the area by the patio most of the day, but in that particular corner there was some shade part of the day. I trimmed back the tree branch and waited to see if the amaryllis would bloom this year.
Success! This year my Apple Blossom Amaryllis put on a show. 
Here the Apple Blossom Amaryllis had just begun blooming. Other plants are Coral Drift roses, Bacopa, and a silvery Artemesia. I used two unobtrusive green plastic stakes to hold the stalks upright.It grew to 34" tall and put out a total of eight blooms on two stalks. Each bloom was over 9" across.
My beautiful amaryllis has finished blooming now. I have cut off the tall stalks, but the strappy foliage remains, hopefully storing energy for additional blooms next year.
Reader Comments (17)
Was it fragrant? I have fond memories of inhaling fragrant amaryllis perfume in Sarasota years ago...
Very striking! I've never thought of people growing amaryllis outdoors, but that makes sense down south where temperatures are closer to its native environment.
Thank you for your comments! Aaron, I have not detected a fragrance with Apple Blossom, but it is so lovely I can forgive it! Deb
It's beautiful, Deb! I was able to naturalize Amaryllis in my old garden but it's been more of a struggle in my current one. Of course, our long drought didn't help there. My Hippeastrum 'La Paz' bloomed last year but it wasn't robust. After our heavier-than-usual winter rains, I'd hope for a good show this year but, thus far, I've got nada.
The are huge! Will they multiply?
Awesome flowers. I'm guessing they multiply slowly, well around here you can't grow them outside so I have no clue.
Hi everyone! Denise, I have read that the older ones do multiply, so I will wait to see if that happens in my own garden.
Again, thanks to all who take time to comment! I read every word and appreciate you all so much! Have a great week! Deb
Stunning! I've never seen that color Amaryllis......you definitely need more!
Congratulations on the success; I think I prefer to see them in the ground rather than in a pot. I have one I planted last autumn in a pot, it flowered in April but I think I will try it outside for next year.
That was clever, figuring out why it didn't bloom. Our plants do communicate with us, if we are caring and observant.
Oh wow, great result!!
So beautiful! Congratulations!
Amaryllis are so lovely, but a throw-away plant for me. What fun to grow them in the ground!
Congratulations! What a spectacular sight! I hope it continues to do well and multiplies well for you.
Congrats on this beauty! You need more ;-)
Wonderful, striking large flowers, and deliicately marked petals.
It's so surprising to me to think of amaryllis growing outdoors! Lovely indeed, just the kind I grew indoors this winter.