’Tis the season for amaryllis

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’Tis the season for amaryllis

December 20, 2007

Amaryllis has replaced the poinsettia as Britain’s favorite Christmas plant, according to a recent story in the Daily Telegraph telegraph.co.uk. Not surprising, given this flower’s radiant beauty.

This news brings to mind a few other facts about amaryllis:

* About 10 million amaryllis bulbs are imported to the U.S. every year. Check out marthastewart.com for a video demo on potting them.

* The name is derived from the Greek word amarysso, which means to sparkle.

* According to legend, Amaryllis was a lovesick maiden who pierced her own heart with a golden arrow to woo the man she fell in love with (Alteo). A flower with crimson petals arose from the blood.

* The National Safety Council nsc.org notes that amaryllis is on the list of plants that can cause severe stomach problems if ingested. Others to avoid: mistletoe, holly berries and Jerusalem cherry. NSC doesn’t say anything re: piercing your own heart with a golden arrow. That Alteo must’ve been quite a guy.

* On a lighter note, there’s a variety of amaryllis called Pink Floyd and one called Dancing Queen. I’ll keep that in mind for New Year’s Eve.

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