Amaryllis 'Striped Jumbo'

Striped amaryllis are among the most popular forms because they look cheerful and festive at the same time. In 'Striped Jumbo', red and white alternate on the large petals. The pattern can vary a little from flower to flower. Several flowers sit on a strong stem and open one after another.

At 45–55 cm tall, the variety is well suited to a bright windowsill, the dining table or a place in the conservatory. Red and white tones go perfectly with Christmas decorations of fir greenery, cones and candles. It also looks fresh in simple Scandinavian-style rooms in white and wood. A heavy pot provides stability.

In a vase, a stem lasts a long time if you cut it as soon as the first bud shows colour. Flowering on the plant lasts several weeks. After a rest in late summer, the bulb prepares for the next winter. If you pot several bulbs two to three weeks apart, you will always have a plant in full flower throughout the winter.

Pot the bulb between October and January in a pot only slightly larger than the bulb itself. Set it so that a third to half of the bulb shows above the soil. Water once, then place the pot somewhere bright and warm at 20–22 °C. Only once the flower stem is visibly growing should you water regularly but sparingly. The first flowers open after about six to eight weeks.

After flowering, remove the stem and keep caring for the plant as a foliage plant. Water and feed regularly until the end of July so the bulb builds up strength for the next flowering. The rest period begins in August: no more water, and the leaves may die back. After around eight weeks, repot the bulb in fresh compost and start again. Amaryllis is poisonous, so keep it away from children and pets.