Flower Encyclopedia
Amaryllis
Hippeastrum hybridum
A dramatic winter statement — enormous trumpet blooms on tall, hollow stems.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
7–14 days
Availability
Seasonal
Peak months
Nov, Dec, Jan
Cost
Premium
Fragrance
Light
Pollen
Moderate
Care
Moderate
Out of water
Under 2 hours
Heat tolerance
Low
Cold tolerance
Moderate
Outdoor events
Fair
Around pets
Use caution
Pets in the house? Use caution.
Amaryllis deserves real caution around cats and dogs — the plant, and especially the bulb, contains compounds that can cause drooling, vomiting, and lethargy if chewed or eaten. Keep stems and any bulbs well out of reach, and contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service if a pet ingests any part.
What It Means
Amaryllis stands for pride, determination, and striking beauty, a reputation that suits its bold size and confident bloom in the depths of winter. Because it flowers when little else does, it also reads as resilience and hope through the darkest part of the year.
Colors it comes in
red · white · pink · salmon · burgundy · bicolor
Coordinates beautifully with
deep green · white · gold accents · silver
Season & Sourcing
Cut amaryllis peaks in the late-fall and winter holiday window, which is when both supply and quality are best. Outside that stretch it is limited, and a florist can suggest alternatives with similar height and impact.
Vase life, honestly
Each stem carries several buds that open in succession, so a single stem stays interesting for one to two weeks. The hollow stems can split or curl at the base and topple large heads, so support is worth the effort.
Fragrance
Most cut amaryllis carries little scent; any fragrance is faint compared to the size of the bloom.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut the hollow stems straight across and keep water levels shallow to reduce splitting.
- 2Insert a thin stake or wooden skewer up the hollow stem to support the heavy heads.
- 3Wrap the cut base with a small piece of tape or leave a bit of the stem's natural node to keep it from curling.
- 4Use cool, clean water and refresh it every two days.
- 5Keep them cool and out of direct sun to slow the fast-opening blooms.
What it costs: Sits in the premium range because of its size, seasonal window, and short shelf window. Holiday demand can firm pricing further in December.
Where It Shines
At weddings
A choice for winter weddings that want scale and drama — tall stems work in large ceremony arrangements and statement centerpieces rather than delicate bouquets. Red and white varieties fit the holiday season particularly well.
In sympathy work
White amaryllis brings quiet grandeur to larger sympathy and standing arrangements, especially for winter services. Its height reads as dignified in pieces meant to be seen from a distance.
Every day
A seasonal showpiece for holiday tables and mantels, often sold as a single striking stem or a small grouping. Popular as a winter gift for its size and the way its buds keep opening at home.
A Little History
The cut and potted amaryllis of the florist trade is genus Hippeastrum, native to Central and South America, despite the common name shared with the separate South African genus Amaryllis. Large-flowered hybrids were developed heavily in the Netherlands and became a fixture of the winter holiday market.
Questions People Ask
Why do my amaryllis stems split and curl at the bottom?
The stems are hollow and tend to split and curl outward in water. Keeping water shallow, refreshing it often, and slipping a stake up the stem all help the heavy heads stay upright.
How long does a cut amaryllis last?
One to two weeks, because each stem opens several buds in sequence. Cool rooms and shallow, frequently changed water push toward the longer end.
When can I get amaryllis?
It is mainly a late-fall and winter flower, most available and best in quality around the holidays. Outside that window it is limited, and a florist can suggest tall alternatives.
Is amaryllis dangerous to pets?
Treat it with caution — the plant and especially the bulb contain compounds that can cause drooling, vomiting, and lethargy if eaten. If a pet ingests any part, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
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