I’m endlessly amazed by the lavish blooms that burst forth from the modest, papery-wrapped amaryllis bulb. Every year, without fail, they unfold into something spectacular. When gathered together amaryllis make a stunning display for the holiday season. Read on to learn how you can create something like this for your abode.
I like to use this vintage punch bowl for a grand display, but any vessel will do. You could also do several smaller containers with the bulbs and group them together or scatter them around the abode.
I used newspaper to create a base for the bulbs and get them to a height where I could see the top of the bulbs over the side of the bowl. When choosing bulbs I try to find those that have a second flower bud pushing up from the bulb.
These bulbs are from Trader Joe’s and came nailed to little wood slices which gives them nice stability. But, if your bulbs don’t have this stand you can still nestle them into the paper layer to secure them.
Next, I used floral cellophane in between the bulbs to keep them standing straight up {newspaper would also work}. If the flower heads were facing in a direction I turned the bulb so that they were facing out.
After soaking it in water, I covered the cellophane layer with streams of Spanish Moss allowing some of the tendrils to drape over the side.
Next comes the greenery. These clippings were salvaged from larger branches I used in other arrangements. I trimmed off the portions that would sit below the water line, and they turned out to be the perfect evergreen layer for the punch bowl.
I used a few different types of greens. Smaller sections helped to cover any cut edges of the branches. I wish you could smell their fresh scent!
Finally, I scattered on a few pommanders {or pomme d’ambre, apples of amber, as they say in France}. Pinecones or bells would also make a nice finishing touch.
These flowers will last for weeks. You can speed up the process by keeping them in warm, sunny locations. If you want to slow things down put them in a cool location at night. They will reach for light so if you see them leaning, just turn rotate the container. Also, overhead light will encourage them to go straight up. I usually mist the lower scape and base with water every few days but they are pretty self sufficient at this stage in their growing process.
Now, just light the candles and watch as the magic unfolds. Click on Country Living to learn how to get your bulbs to bloom again next year.
