Deck the Halls with Amaryllis

By Karin Lidbeck Brent

For many of us clearing the table on Thanksgiving means it is time to get started on our December Holiday decor!

My first and favorite addition to my holiday home is the amaryllis. Having these blooms in your home during the winter months will add a richness and beauty you’ll love.

Amaryllis can be found in your local florist or grocery store this time of year. Growing amaryllis, however, is so simple you may want to try forcing them yourself. Place one or multiple bulbs in a container with dirt and watch them grow—you should see blooms in six to eight weeks. Amaryllis bulbs can be planted in just about any container, they only require an inch or two of dirt below for the roots and then just enough dirt to leave the top of the bulb exposed to air.

With a little extra creativity you can create unique arrangements by planting the bulbs with additional materials. Surround the bulbs sprigs of balsam to create a base of lush green. Then add some seasonal accents such as pinecones and winterberries for some holiday fun!

Photo by John Bressler

Photo by John Bressler

I love the look of containers inspired by nature, so I planted these bulbs in a large terracotta pot surrounded by random overlapping sheets of bark. I pulled the bark from downed trees that I found on a hike in the woods and then used a hot glue gun to apply the bark to the pot. Scavenging for natural elements is a wonderful way to add character to your arrangements—at no additional cost.

Photo by Joe Keller

Here I placed the bulb in a small pot set inside a Roost terrarium. Surrounded by natural mosses, sticks, pine cones and pods—there is an illusion that the bulb is growing from the bottom of a forest floor.

Photo by Joe Keller

Potting a bulb in a pot with ivy makes a special gift. Why not pot up a few and have them ready for hostess and holiday parties throughout the month?

Photography by Michael Partenio

An alternative to growing an amaryllis is buying cut stems from the florist. The amaryllis is so sculptural just one stem looks spectacular on its own. This holiday showpiece takes minutes to make placing one stem in a large glass cylinder. Filling the base with water and cranberries adds visual elegance. Use a wide ribbon tied with a sprig of greenery for a finishing touch.

Photography by Michael Partenio

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