6 Best Amaryllis Bulbs For Indoor Blooms That Veteran Gardeners Swear By
Discover the top 6 amaryllis bulbs chosen by expert gardeners. From classic reds to unique doubles, find the best varieties for stunning indoor winter blooms.
When the ground is frozen solid and the garden is just a memory, the urge for something green and growing can be overwhelming. An amaryllis bulb on the windowsill, pushing up a thick stalk and unfurling massive blooms, is one of winter’s simplest and most rewarding projects. But not all bulbs are created equal, and choosing the right one is the difference between a spectacular show and a disappointing dud.
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Choosing Amaryllis for Reliable Winter Color
Before we even talk varieties, let’s talk about the bulb itself. The single most important factor for a great bloom is starting with a large, healthy bulb. Think of it as a fully charged battery; a bigger bulb has more stored energy to produce more flower stalks and bigger flowers.
When you’re buying, look for bulbs that are firm, dry, and heavy for their size, with no signs of mold or soft spots. Don’t be tempted by bargain-bin bulbs that feel light or look shriveled. You’re not saving money if it never blooms. A premium, hefty bulb is the best investment you can make for reliable winter color.
‘Red Lion’: The Classic, Bold Holiday Amaryllis
There’s a reason ‘Red Lion’ is the amaryllis you see everywhere during the holidays. It’s dependable, vigorous, and delivers a huge punch of pure, velvety red. This is the variety you choose when you want a classic, no-fuss Christmas centerpiece.
Its performance is incredibly reliable, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants a guaranteed show. The flower stalks are thick and sturdy, usually holding up the massive blooms without any need for staking—a practical plus. If you want a flower that screams "happy holidays" with zero subtlety, ‘Red Lion’ is your workhorse.
‘Apple Blossom’: Soft Pinks for a Gentle Display
If the bold red of ‘Red Lion’ feels too loud, ‘Apple Blossom’ is its softer, more romantic cousin. The huge flowers open with a delicate blend of soft white and blush pink, with a lovely green throat. It has a gentle presence that can brighten a room without dominating it.
This variety is perfect for bridging the gap between the deep winter holidays and the first hints of spring. It doesn’t scream Christmas, but it offers a welcome promise of life and color on a gray February day. The blooms are just as large and impressive as the classic reds, but the color palette is quieter and more versatile.
‘Mont Blanc’: A Pure, Elegant and Snow-White Bloom
Sometimes, you need something crisp, clean, and elegant. ‘Mont Blanc’ delivers with massive, snow-white flowers that are absolutely stunning. A pure white amaryllis has a sophisticated, modern feel that can stand out beautifully against a dark winter backdrop.
Unlike colored varieties that can sometimes clash with existing decor, a white amaryllis fits in anywhere. ‘Mont Blanc’ is known for its large, perfectly formed blooms that create a truly striking display. It’s a statement of pure, simple beauty in a season that can often feel cluttered.
‘Picotee’: Delicate Red Edging on Crisp Petals
‘Picotee’ is for the gardener who appreciates fine details. At first glance, it looks like a white amaryllis, but a closer look reveals a razor-thin, delicate red line tracing the edge of every petal. It’s an effect that looks almost hand-painted.
This isn’t a loud, flashy flower. Its beauty is in its subtlety and refinement. ‘Picotee’ is a conversation starter, drawing people in to admire its unique markings. It offers the brightness of a white flower with just enough color to make it exceptionally special.
‘Nymph’: A Lush, Double-Flowering Peony Look
If you believe more is more, ‘Nymph’ is the amaryllis for you. This is a double-flowering variety, meaning it’s packed with layers of petals that give it a lush, full look, much like a peony. The flowers are huge, frilly, and incredibly dramatic.
The blooms are a beautiful blend of white with salmon-pink streaks, making for a truly spectacular show. The tradeoff for this massive display is weight. Be prepared to stake the flower stalks, as the heavy heads can easily cause them to bend or snap. It’s a small price to pay for a flower this opulent.
‘Papilio’: The Exotic and Unique Butterfly Bloom
For those who want something completely different, there’s ‘Papilio’. This variety, often called the "Butterfly Amaryllis," doesn’t look like any other. Its petals are more slender and swept back, with an exotic coloration of deep maroon and greenish-white.
‘Papilio’ is less of a holiday centerpiece and more of a botanical curiosity. It can sometimes be a bit more finicky to rebloom in subsequent years, but its first showing is always a showstopper. If you’re tired of the classics and want a plant that will make people ask, "What is that?", this is the one to try.
Forcing Your Bulbs for a Perfect Holiday Bloom
"Forcing" just means tricking a bulb into blooming indoors, out of its natural season. The process is simple. Amaryllis bulbs typically take 6-8 weeks from planting to bloom, so you just need to count backward from your target date.
- For Christmas blooms: Plant your bulb around the first week of November.
- For Thanksgiving blooms: Plant in early to mid-October.
Choose a pot that’s only about an inch wider than the bulb itself—they like to be snug. Plant it in well-draining potting mix, leaving the top third of the bulb exposed above the soil line. Water it once, thoroughly, and then wait. Don’t water it again until you see the first green shoot emerge. Overwatering a dormant bulb is the fastest way to rot it. Once it’s growing, place it in a bright spot and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds container plants for up to 6 months, promoting more blooms and vibrant color. This bundle includes two 8-quart bags, ideal for annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and shrubs.
Ultimately, the best amaryllis is the one that brings you joy during the darkest months. Whether you choose a classic red, an elegant white, or an exotic butterfly, the simple act of nurturing a bulb into bloom is a powerful reminder of the life waiting just beneath the surface. It’s a small effort for a truly spectacular reward.
