“Fantasy” is a popular variety of Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) known for its unique, almost ethereal appearance, often featuring delicate pastel tones, white, cream, or lime-green shades. These bulbs are frequently sold for indoor forcing during the winter holiday season, bringing a touch of magic with their large, fragrant, and sometimes ruffled, lily-like blooms.
Here is a summary of information about the Amaryllis Fantasy bulb, covering characteristics, care, and purchasing:
Characteristics of Amaryllis ‘Fantasy’
- Appearance: The flowers are typically a blend of cream/white with light green, sometimes with darker green, pink, or raspberry venation, appearing as “watercolour” or “quilted” markings.
- Size: They are often sold as large or “jumbo” bulbs (e.g., 34/36 cm or 42-44 cm), which can produce 2–3, or sometimes even more, strong flower stems.
- Flowering: Each stem can bear 4–6 large (10-15 cm) flowers. They generally bloom 8–12 weeks after planting.
- Fragrance: Many descriptions state it has a pleasant, mild aroma.
- Variety Types: There is also a “Grandise Fantasy,” a popular, award-winning double-flowered variety.
Care and Growth Guide
Amaryllis Fantasy is considered easy to grow, whether in soil or, with proper care, in water with stones.
- Planting: Pot in a well-draining potting mix, leaving the top one-third to one-half of the bulb exposed above the soil.
- Lighting: Thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Water sparingly at first. Once growth begins, water when the top inch of soil is dry, being careful not to overwater to prevent rotting.
- Post-Bloom Care: After flowering, cut the flower stalk but leave the foliage. The plant can be kept, fertilized, and allowed to go dormant in a cool, dark place (5-10°C) for 8 weeks before encouraging it to bloom again next year.
Purchasing and Availability
- Availability: These bulbs are typically shipped in the fall (late September to October/November) for winter blooming.
- Form: They are often available as bare-root bulbs in specialized packaging (such as a linen or burlap bag) or as part of a kit.
- Price: They are frequently sold with special deals during the autumn season.
The “Fantasy” variety is highly recommended for its striking, non-traditional color palette that makes a sophisticated addition to holiday decorations.
