Last Updated on December 28, 2022
Amaryllis is a great choice for fresh cut flowers. Get all the information you need about using this fabulous flower here.
When adding a touch of elegance and beauty to any event, nothing compares to stunning amaryllis flowers for bouquets and arrangements. With its vibrant colors and unique shape, this flower makes any occasion special.
Amaryllis could be the perfect solution to add flair to your floral designs. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also has several advantages over other types of flowers when used as a cut flower.
From learning how to properly care for cut amaryllis flowers to understanding their unique characteristics, this article will provide all the information you need to know about using it as a cut flower. So if you want to add extra beauty and elegance to your next floral design, read on.
Why I Love Using Amaryllis in Floral Designs
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) embodies the meaning of beauty and pride. It’s an excellent choice for cut flower use because it’s one of the most stunning blooms available, and the flowers last so long.
They are beautiful blooms used for centuries as cut flowers and are often seen in floral designs during Christmas or other special occasions.
I love using amaryllis blooms because of their huge, trumpet-shaped flowers that give a special visual impact to the simplest design.
I’ve used amaryllis in vase arrangements, wreaths, swags, wedding bouquets, and centerpieces for all occasions, from sympathy to wedding flowers.
Amaryllis Availability and Colors
They are generally available from October through March, but the peak season is December through mid-February.
Cut amaryllis flowers are generally available in red, white, light pink, dark pink, and bi-colors, with peach, light green, and burgundy shades also available.
The stem length varies depending on the variety. While some are only about 12″ tall, others reach 24″ or more. Each flower stalk will have two to three trumpet-shaped blooms.
Premium amaryllises from Holland feature four blooms per stem.
This short video showcases many of the vibrant colors they are available in.
How To Care For Cut Amaryllis
Cut amaryllis flowers typically require three or four days to open, so keep that in mind if you use them in a centerpiece or vase bouquet, especially if you plan to use them in a wedding bouquet.
Getting them in early for a wedding is a good idea because even after the flowers open, they will last for a week or more in water. We get our amaryllises 7-10 days before the wedding or event.
If you need to speed up the opening of the flowers, keep them in a warmer area and use lukewarm water in your vase. Conversely, placing them in a cooler environment slows down their opening.
When your amaryllis flowers arrive, check the stems for any damage or cracks before cutting them using a sharp knife. Once you cut the stems, you can place them in a vase with fresh water and a flower preservative. Change the water and flower preservative every other day to avoid bacterial buildup in the vase.
Keep them away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and drafts.
Common Issues When Using Amaryllis Cut Flowers
Amaryllises have a hollow stem, and the flowers are large. This can make them top-heavy, especially with longer-stemmed varieties. The weight of the blooms can cause the stem to crack or bend in half if not adequately supported.
Another common issue with amaryllis is the stems cracking and curling back. This is normal and won’t affect the flower’s vase life.
Fortunately, there are ways to fix or prevent both of these problems. This short video clip shows you the best ways to handle each issue.
As you saw, using clear waterproof tape or a rubber band will help prevent the stem from curling or cracking further. I use clear tape when I arrange them in a clear glass vase. Otherwise, rubber bands do the job.
Placing them in shallow water (1 to 2 inches) also helps to minimize the cracking and curling of the stems at the bottom.
Hyacinth stakes, bamboo cane, wooden dowels, or even woody flower stems can be inserted into a hollow amaryllis stem to brace it. Use whatever you have around, but make sure it’s long enough to get up to the flower head.
Tips When Arranging Cut Amaryllis
When arranging amaryllises, ensure the container you are using is heavy enough and has an opening that’s large enough to support the weight of the flowers.
Since amaryllis only needs an inch or two of water in the vase, that may not add enough additional weight to provide adequate support to prevent the vase from tipping over.
This is especially important when you are working with longer stems.
When arranging in floral foam, I always brace the flower stems, as I mentioned earlier, to avoid damage to the stems. This is especially crucial if the arrangement needs to be transported.
You can remove the stamens from amaryllises, but I only do it if I’m using them in wedding bouquets, so they won’t stain the flower or clothing.
Unlike lilies, removing the stamens won’t extend the vase life of the flowers.
If you do get pollen on the flowers, you can remove it by gently brushing it off with a piece of chenille (pipe cleaner).
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