Amaryllis "Apple Blossom" August 2020

Rescue Amaryllis: “Apple Blossom”

Last January I noticed a couple of amaryllis plants on sale in an unlikely place–a building supplies store. They were well past their blooming time, which likely happened before or at Christmas. I bought one.

The label said it was called “Apple Blossom,” white with pink stripes.

Amaryllis "Apple Blossom" Label

On investigating, I found the cute little pot had no drainage hole, and instead of soil, the bulb was stuck into pure peat and nothing else. Clearly, the unfortunate bulb was intended to be a one-bloom-wonder decor item, to be pitched out when the show was over.

I repotted it into a good soil mix in a clay pot. I watered it and watched it grow long floppy leaves. In June, it went outside along with my other amaryllis, a bright scarlet specimen.

By the end of July, both plants were showing signs of approaching dormancy. Their leaves were turning yellow. I reduced watering and prepared to stash them in a cool basement spot for a couple of months’ rest.

“Apple Blossom” had other ideas. First I noticed a couple of new leaves sprouting, and then a bud. I resumed watering. Now it’s in bloom.

Amaryllis "Apple Blossom" August 2020
Amaryllis "Apple Blossom" August 2020
Amaryllis "Apple Blossom" August 2020
Amaryllis "Apple Blossom" August 2020

I’m glad I rescued “Apple Blossom.”

Chronological disclosure: I took the photos and wrote the post between August 15th and 20th. The plant has pretty much finished blooming by now.

45 comments

  15. How lovely! I wonder if it’s a natural late bloomer or whether it’s just grateful to be alive?

    Speaking of rescue plants, when I don’t have my own lettuce growing, I buy ‘potted’ gourmet lettuce from the supermarket. I think these plants are hydroponically grown as there is never any soil on their roots. I cut off most of the leaves to use in salad and repot the plant in good soil. Some survive, some don’t. The ones that do survived provide delicious new leaves for ages. When they finally go to see, I save the seeds and replant the next season. I’m part scrooge and part earth mother! lol

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    1. I think that amaryllis was just happy to do its growth cycle thing and didn’t care that it was out of season.
      I’ve seen those “living lettuces” in stores. I ought to try your technique. Lettuce revivification, you might say!

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