Amazing Amaryllis: Planting and CareGardening News & Inspiration | Tips & Advice | 3 minutes of reading | By Matthew Peck A fabulously festive flower, Amaryllis, or Hippeastrum is a breathtaking bloom to enjoy throughout the winter months. Its dazzling hues, unmistakable exotic shape and subtle sweet scent make it perfect for enjoying around the home.Surprisingly easy to grow, this exquisite bloom can repeat flower for many years. Read our guide to get the most from your Amaryllis and enjoy it year after year.Planting your bulbAmaryllis bulbs will grow happily for many years if you use the right container and compost. They prefer to be pot-bound and moist, but not waterlogged. Choose a container that is approximately 2cm bigger than the bulb and with large drainage holes.Tip: Amaryllis flowers can be top heavy when in bloom. A container with a little weight will prevent it toppling over.To allow for good drainage add horticultural grit or sand to a nutrient rich compost. John Innes No.2 and Westland Houseplant Potting Mix are great options. Any of our Premium Quality Amaryllis Bulb Planting Sets already include the perfect compost mix.When planting your bulb, position two thirds of the bulb above the surface of the compost and place it in a well-lit area, with a temperature around 21°C. Water it sparingly, but don’t let the compost dry out. Continue doing this until the shoots come through.Tip: Plant your bulb 6-8 weeks before you want it to bloom.Fabulous festive flowersChoosing the right location for your Amaryllis will ensure you get fabulous festive flowers. Now the shoots have come through, find a spot with filtered bright light and a slightly cooler temperature, something around 15-18°C. This will extend the flowering period and prevent it growing too quickly, which causes the stem to droop. Remember to turn your plant regularly so it grows a straight stem.Tip: Keep the room temperature constant, avoid drafty areas or positioning near to a radiator.Once the foliage starts to develop water it more regularly, but ensure it is not waterlogged. Flowers should then start to appear within a few short weeks.Tip: Avoid positioning your plant near ripening fruit as this stops the Amaryllis from flowering.Reusing your bulbAs the blooms fade, snip back the flowering stem, not the foliage. Once the risk of frost has passed, you can move it outside to a position that avoids the scorching sunshine. Continue to water it regularly and leave the foliage on until it starts to yellow.In late September stop watering your Amaryllis and cut back the yellowed leaves. Move it to a cool area, such as a garage or greenhouse. Sunlight is not necessary at this stage, and it should be kept in its container. Leave your Amaryllis dormant for approximately 8-10 weeks.To start the growing phase again, bring your bulb inside and if required, top up the soil level. Ensure two thirds of the bulb remains above the surface and resume watering.Tip: Avoid disturbing the roots of your Amaryllis as they prefer to be pot-bound. Repot every two to three years between January and March, after flowering.Follow these simple steps and you will enjoy fabulous flowers, year after year. Browse our range of premium quality Amaryllis Bulb Sets and start your collection of fabulous festive flowers. Share this article