So many flowers bring back seasonal memories. Amaryllis are definitely the star of late November and December, but is that where it should end? With all the abundance and rich tones of autumn, I know that I see amaryllis as the perfect transitional flower between fall and spring, in other words, The Star of the Winter Season. Being one of the largest bulb flowers designers use throughout the year, amaryllis can be challenging to use but well worth the effort. I would like to introduce some varieties you may have seen but overlooked. I would recommend keeping these amazing ‘stars of the winter’ palette in mind when planning weddings or events.

Floral by McKenzie Powell and Image by Belathée Photography

Amaryllis Darling

Design and image from Viridis Garden Design featuring Amaryllis Darling

Amaryllis come in an array of amazing shades of pinks, peaches, reds, white, greens, and more. Often designers or clients share the opinion that amaryllis feel too ‘holidayish’. In my opinion, Amaryllis continue to impress during the winter and help pave the way into the early spring floral season and continue shining with all their glory. The variety featured above is called Darling. Amaryllis Darling is a large flowering variety with a beautiful pale pink/ blush color. Its stunning light pink incorporates well with other colors and textures.

Amaryllis Gervase

Image by Scott Shepherd courtesy of Cut Flower Wholesale

This variety, Amaryllis Gervase, I first learned about over 2 years ago. A lovely selection to be used in any pink palette! It’s one of my favorites especially during the December holiday season, but a delicious addition to the winter season and yes, I’m going to say it…how about Valentine’s Day?!? Every time I have this variety, its beauty catches the eyes of my clients.

Amaryllis Mocha

Image and Design by Holly Bryan, with Holly Bryan Artistic Design.

Amaryllis Mocha has an amazing greenish flower with a peach blush center. It creates a great transition between darker tones or pastels!! This is one of the earlier varieties and more scarce in January but deserves a place of recognition and remembrance for next year!

Amaryllis Mont Blanc

Image and Design by Chris Wedgeworth of Flower Power.

Over the past decades, I’ve sold scores of Amaryllis Christmas Gift. It’s been a favorite white of mine for a long time. This above image is another older variety that has definitely caught my attention, Amaryllis Mont Blanc. The larger blooms sometimes seem a little heavy and have a cascading downward appearance. Love how the image above captures the ease of this variety. I believe white amaryllis also adds a magnificent presence throughout the wedding season!!

Amaryllis Green Valley

Image by Scott Shepherd and courtesy of Cut Flower Wholesale

Red, white, and green are typically traditional colors of the holiday season. Behold above, Amaryllis Green Valley. A striking pastel green easily compliments most color palettes and a wonderful addition of texture. When available, GreenValley is a spectacular variety to use in late winter/ early spring.

Amaryllis Loyalty

Amaryllis Loyalty is absolutely stunning! Loyalty the deepest of the burgundy/ dark red varieties with a velvet plushness. Large flowers can make it difficult to capture all the lush color with these highly reflective petals. Often these darker tones are a concern to the floral designer because in dark rooms they tend to loose their dramatic impact. Don’t be fooled, They are show stoppers!! A little tip: Take the anthers out of the flowers as soon as possible. It is tempting to keep the flower as they occur in nature, however, the pollen from the anthers can tarnish the appearance of these darker majestic blooms.

Amaryllis Rilona

Bouquet and Photograph from Fleurology.

Amaryllis Rilona, truly an amazing peach variety that can and should be used when available. Unfortunately, it’s not grown year round so definitely incorporate its beauty when possible. Rilona is a refreshing addition throughout the spring wedding season. It’s lighter than the Patone Color for 2019, but I’m sure that Living Coral will inspire all kinds of peach/coral weddings and events!!

Happy New Year and here’s to a Colorful 2019!! As the holiday season comes to a close and the winter season begins, remember this elegant flower. Whites, Pinks, Peaches, and Greens compliment beautifully the snowy thoughts of winter. With a bold presence and assortment of colors, Amaryllis is my star for the winter season and paves the way for a wonderful and colorful journey into SPRING!