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The holidays are a time for giving, and when it comes to thoughtful, beautiful gifts, amaryllis bulbs are among the most cherished choices. These extraordinary flowering plants transform from humble, drab bulbs into showstopping blooms. Whether you're giving amaryllis bulbs to a seasoned plant lover or someone who's new to gardening, they offer an experience that is as rewarding as it is stunning. What makes amaryllis bulbs the perfect gift? Read on to learn more.
The excitement of receiving an amaryllis bulb begins the moment the gift is opened. Inside the box, your recipient will find either a large, dormant, colorful waxed bulb or a bulb already potted and ready to grow. For many first-time amaryllis growers, their initial reaction might be one of confusion—how could this plain, earthy bulb possibly produce such stunning beauty?
Yet, the magic of amaryllis lies in its transformation. Following the simple instructions provided, your recipient will place the bulb in a bright spot, usually near a sunny window, and watch the action begin. Within days, a thick green shoot will emerge from the top of the bulb, growing rapidly and bringing with it a promise of what’s to come. In just a few weeks, the first buds will appear, eventually unfurling into breathtaking flowers that measure six inches or more across. The range of colors—deep reds, snowy whites, candy-cane striped reds and whites, and more—make each blooming amaryllis a delightful surprise.
Amaryllis bulbs make wonderful gifts because they offer more than just a beautiful plant; they provide an experience. The daily changes as the bulb grows create anticipation and excitement, making it a gift that continues to give long after it’s opened. Plus, the blooms typically last for several weeks, meaning your gift will bring color and life to their home throughout the holiday season and beyond.
The care is minimal, but the reward is grand. Watering is simple—only when the top two inches of soil feel dry—and the plant thrives in indirect sunlight, making it easy to place in any room. This low-maintenance care makes amaryllis bulbs an ideal gift for anyone, whether they're seasoned gardeners or complete beginners. Did you know waxed amaryllis bulbs need only indirect sunlight to bloom? So easy!
One of the most delightful aspects of a potted amaryllis bulb is that it can continue to bloom year after year. After the initial flowering period, the plant enters a resting phase where its leaves grow and gather energy to fuel the next round of blooms. With a little care, your recipient can enjoy a recurring cycle of vibrant flowers for many seasons to come.
Many gifted amaryllis bulbs go on to produce flowers year after year, each bloom as breathtaking as the first. While they may never quite match the size and grandeur of their first greenhouse-grown flowers, amaryllis bulbs still offer a stunning show and become a lasting, living gift.
While our waxed amaryllis bulbs are not intended to rebloom, you never know what Mother Nature might bring so, give it a try! Remove the wax and plant it in the garden in Zones 8+ or follow the process above for potted amaryllis bulbs.
If you're looking for something a little more unique, amaryllis bulbs come in a variety of styles to suit any recipient or occasion:
Waxed Bulbs: For the ultimate low-maintenance gift, consider a waxed amaryllis bulb. These bulbs come coated in a layer of wax and don't require any soil, water, or potting. Simply place the waxed bulb in a well-lit spot, and it will bloom on its own! This is an ideal gift for someone who loves flowers but may not have the time or interest in traditional plant care. Send more than one bulb to impress and inspire.
Pre-Potted Amaryllis: For a more traditional gift, you can choose a pre-potted amaryllis bulb in a decorative container. Whether it's a festive holiday pot or a sleek, modern planter, this option adds an extra touch of thoughtfulness and ensures the recipient has everything they need to enjoy their gift immediately. Browse the options in our Gift Collection.
Multi-Bulb Arrangements: Want to make a big impression? Consider giving an arrangement of multiple amaryllis bulbs in one pot. The blooms will emerge in their natural succession, creating a vibrant, showstopping display of color that brightens any room. Many of our potted amaryllis are available in single, double, and triple bulb collections.
At Jackson & Perkins, we take pride in delivering amaryllis bulbs that are ready to bring joy. When you order an amaryllis, it will arrive carefully packaged to ensure it arrives safely and ready to bloom. Depending on the option you choose, it may come as a single bulb wrapped in festive packaging, a waxed bulb that needs no water, or a fully potted bulb in a decorative container.
Each gift includes instructions on how to care for the bulb, so whether your recipient is an experienced gardener or a first-time plant owner, they'll know exactly how to nurture their amaryllis to full bloom. Our amaryllis gifts are designed to be easy to care for and virtually foolproof, making them an ideal gift for just about anyone. In fact, any of our living gifts arrives with detailed instructions, so order with confidence.
Whether you're shopping for family, friends, or neighbors, amaryllis bulbs are a thoughtful and inspiring gift choice that offers beauty, anticipation, and lasting joy. With their simple care routine and stunning blooms, amaryllis bulbs create a magical experience for everyone who receives them.
So, this holiday season, consider giving the gift of nature with an amaryllis bulb—a living, growing reminder of the festive season that will delight and impress long after the holidays are over.
A former Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kathy's specialties range from studies of prairie plants to grass genetics to ant-plant interactions. After retirement, Kathy traveled extensively. Wherever her travels have taken her, she sees the plants first and then notices the monuments. More quietly retired now, Kathy gardens. A hobby she has enjoyed since childhood, in states across North America. She loves the differences between plants and recognizing the factors and growing conditions each requires.
Writing for Park Seed, Jackson & Perkins, and Wayside Gardens lets Kathy describe her deep enjoyment of the natural world and share information about plants that will assist and enchant you. Since February 2017 Kathy's blog, A Wandering Botanist, has been listed as one of 50 Best Blogs for Botanists and Plant Scientists by feedspot.com.
