Amaryllis

The amaryllis is a classic statement flower: large, distinctive and stately. You simply can’t miss it - the smooth, thick, hollow stems are too unusual for that, and the flowers are too eye-catching. Amaryllis provides colour and strength, and symbolises pride and enchanting beauty: just what you need when it’s cold and dark outside. We are offering you a host of inspiration to get to work with this flower for your customers, with a particular focus on Christmas.

Colours and shapes of the amaryllis

This velvety flower is lightly scented and comes in white, red, yellow, pink, salmon, purple, orange and bi-coloured. There are usually four to six flowers on the stem but no leaves, which is why the amaryllis is sometimes also known in the United States as a ‘Naked Lady’. Amaryllis is the undisputed star of mixed bouquets, but also very suitable for a statuesque solo display during the holidays.

Care tips for customers

Trim the stems diagonally. Select a sturdy glass vase. Make sure that the vase is nice and clean, fill it with water and use cut flower food for bulb flowers. Place the vase in a reasonably cool spot, not in a draught or next to the fruit bowl.

Inspiration

Obviously you can offer your customers the traditional red amaryllises, but also consider other colours combined with Ilex and Ornithogalum, which are flowers that currently have good availability. The photo shows amaryllises combined with Ilex. A mixed technique has been used: corn sheaf and a binding technique. The amaryllises gain their sturdiness by being bound to the Ilex. The stems are secured twice on each stem so that they remain firmly upright.

Hang them upside down as a blooming chandelier: water can be poured into the stems which can simultaneously serve as mini vases for other flowers.

If you prefer something livelier but still restrained, make a fantastic white bouquet with amaryllis, lilac and magnolia.

Standing tall

The amaryllis is very suitable for eye-catching displays in which the focus is very much on the stems. Place them in a tall glass vase, wrap the stems in a piece of lace or get them to curl at the bottom - by incising them slightly - and give them plenty of space in an generous glass vase.

On the counter

A collection of amaryllises in the form of a wreath looks fabulous on the counter. The weight the flower means that the flowers easily stay in place. Obviously you could also use an oasis ring as the base. Punch holes in the oasis first so that the stems can be inserted easily.