The Amaryllis

Book of Shadows - Gardening

Written by Madame Aradia

Friday, 23 January 2009 18:19

Originating in South American and Mexico, the amaryllis has become a popular houseplant. Early in the 19th century, the Dutch horticulturists began to cultivate the amaryllis and is now be developed all over the world. It is also called spider lily and magic lily. According to the poems by Virgil, this lovely flower is named for the Greek nymph Amaryllis, or Amarysso meaning “to sparkle”. The story tells of a beautiful nymph who falls in love with a rather stone-hearted shepherd. The shepherd declared the only thing he wanted was a new flower...a flower never seen before in this world. Determined to melt his cold heart and earn his love regardless the cost, Amaryllis visited an oracle. So as instructed, Amaryllis visited the shepherd’s doorstep for 30 nights, each night piercing her heart with a golden arrow. On the last night, her blood soaking her white gown, the shepherd discovered a beautiful red flower growing from her heart. The Amaryllis is a fairly easy flower to grow. It needs a sunny window and moisture during the winter. After it has flowered, trim back the long flower stalks. Late in May, move the pot outdoors to “harden” (in other words “get use to”...you don’t want to shock the plant) for a week. Then plant the amaryllis in a partially shady place in your garden. Be sure you plant it in a place where the afternoon sun will not burn the leaves. After the first frost, dig up the bulb, place it in a paper bag, and store it in a dry place for about 2 months. Trim the roots to about 4 inches before you plant the amaryllis. It will still fit in the same pot. Water it thoroughly and set it in strong light.