“Just Wonderful” is a popular, high-quality, and robust cultivar of Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) known for its striking, large, and fragrant double flowers. It is a favorite for holiday, indoor, and container gardening, and can be grown year-round or forced to bloom specifically during the winter season.
Here is a detailed overview of the Just Wonderful Amaryllis:
Characteristics
- Flowers: Large, double-flowered, and often fragrant blooms.
- Color: Rich red, often with some white and green tints, making it a dramatic, festive choice for winter decorating.
- Size: The bulbs are typically large, producing multiple, thick flower stalks (or “scapes”) that reach heights of 12-36 inches (30-90 cm).
- Blooms: Each bulb can produce 2-3 stems with 3-5 blooms per stem.
- Bloom Time: When planted in fall, it will bloom in 6-10 weeks, usually around the winter holiday season.
- Longevity: With proper care, the bulbs can bloom annually for 5–10 years or more.
Planting and Care
- Potting: Plant in a pot that is only slightly larger than the bulb (1-2 inches of space around it), as they prefer to be slightly pot-bound.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, potting mix.
- Depth: Plant with the top 1/3 of the bulb exposed above the soil level.
- Light: Place in bright, indirect light to prevent the leaves from scorching, but avoid direct, intense sun.
- Watering: Water sparingly after planting until the stem and leaves appear, then water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent bulb rot.
- After-Bloom Care: Once flowers fade, cut the flower stalk (scape) 3-5 cm above the bulb, but keep the leaves. Continue watering and fertilizing to allow the leaves to store energy for the next season.
- Dormancy: To rebloom, allow the plant to go dormant by withholding water and placing it in a cool (10-15°C / 50-59°F), dark place for 8-10 weeks in late summer.
Uses
- Holiday Decor: Known as a “Christmas” flower, it is a perfect centerpiece or gift for the winter season.
- Indoor Gardening: Ideal for windowsills and indoor decoration, adding a pop of vibrant color to winter.
- Cut Flowers: The sturdy, large, and fragrant blooms make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.
