The Cherry Amadeus Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a luxurious, double-flowered variety known for its deep cherry-red color and dense, layered petals. It thrives indoors during winter, producing large (up to 22 cm) flowers on 40-50 cm stalks. This, easy-to-grow bulb prefers well-drained soil, bright indirect light, and moderate watering, making it a popular festive plant.
Key Characteristics and Care:
- Appearance: Rich, saturated cherry-red flowers with slightly wavy, double petals.
- Bloom Time: Typically blooms in winter to early spring, around 6–8 weeks after potting.
- Size: The bulbs are generally large and produce 1–2 stalks bearing 3–4 flowers each.
- Light: Needs bright, indirect light to prevent the stalks from stretching.
- Soil & Watering: Plant in well-drained, rich soil, ensuring the top third of the bulb is above the soil line. Water sparingly until growth appears, then keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Post-Bloom Care: After flowering, remove faded flowers, cut the stem when it sags, and keep the plant in a sunny spot, watering and fertilizing until summer to allow leaves to grow.
- Dormancy: To induce re-blooming, allow the plant to go dormant by withholding water in late summer/early fall, keeping it in a cool (50-60°F), dark place for at least 6–8 weeks.
- Usage: Ideal for indoor potting and holiday decoration.
The Cherry Amadeus is part of the esteemed Amadeus series and is prized for its dramatic, intense color during the colder months.
