One of the new Amaryllises that I purchased this past year was Amaryllis Sumatra, pre-planted bulbs in 7-inch green "eco pots," made from bamboo.

The gardener's journal that I finally disciplined myself to keep showed that the first watering began on December 4. I placed the container in a sunny spot in the front window. Two flower stems appeared in about 3 - 4 weeks: the first one now has 3 of the 4 flowers in bloom and the second stem, at least 20 inches in height, should have 4 or more flowers, yet to bloom.

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This hybrid amaryllis is developed from a South American species, Hippeastrum cybister with narrower petals and the flowers looked more like orchids. They reminded me of the Amaryllis Rosado I had last year and again this year.

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"The shapely blooms and rich, iridescent colors of Amaryllis will light up a winter day like nothing else we knew" -- White Flower Farm.

I hope it will light up your winter days as well.