Flower Spotlight: Amaryllis

Amaryllis flowers are spectacular blooms that make any arrangement look that much beautiful! From their history to their vibrant color and stunning look, you’ll definitely love everything about this flower!

The name Amaryllis derives from the Greek word “Amarullis,” which means splendor. They are originally from tropical areas such as the Caribbean but can be found pretty much anywhere in the world, except Antartica of course.

In Victorian times, the Amaryllis flower “seemed awfully grand,” quickly becoming associated with pride. Back in the day, being called a person “full of pride” was a compliment, even seen as beautiful in women. Nowadays, it’s fantastic to be confident and proud of your achievements, just don’t let your ego get the best of you!

A famous poem written by Publius Vergilius Maro talks about a nymph called Amaryllis who fell in love with a gardener named Alteo. She would pierce her heart every day for a month in front of his door with a golden arrow to profess her love. Unfortunately, the gardener was not impressed by the nymph and chose to ignore her love. This is why Amaryllis flowers are often red, the color symbolizes the nymph’s blood.

• Other names for this bloom are Naked Ladies and Belladonna Lilies.
• A few Amaryllis species can grow flowers of up to 6 inches in diameter.
• Red Amaryllis blooms are often sold as alternatives to Poinsettias during the Christmas season.
• According to the ASPCA, Amaryllis’ are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Be sure to keep these beauties away from your four-legged friends! Eating this bloom can result in “vomiting (not horses), depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, tremors.)
• Amaryllis is a distant relative of lilies, hence the similarity in their look.

Send a special person in your life a gorgeous arrangement of fresh blooms with Amaryllis in the mix. You can find this flower in colors red, yellow, green, white, pink, as well bicolored red and white. Contact your local florist today!