Amaryllis is a beautiful winter-blooming flower that comes in a range of vibrant shades. It is commonly grown as a houseplant and is available at nurseries and big box stores around the holiday season. However, you may wonder if you can also enjoy the stunning blooms of amaryllis outside. To answer this question, we spoke to gardening experts who shared their tips for planting amaryllis bulbs in your garden.
Can Amaryllis Be Planted Outside?
Amaryllis can be planted outside in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, depending on what USDA growing zone you live in. “In zones where temperatures never drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, amaryllis bulbs can be grown as a perennial and flower every summer,” says Gail Pabst, gardener and marketing director at the National Garden Bureau.
In zones 7 and below, amaryllis bulbs need to be brought inside for the winter, as they are not very hardy and need protection from frost, says Angelika Zaber, a lawn care specialist and gardening expert working for Online Turf. That said, you can still plant amaryllis bulbs outside in these zones in spring, as long as you dig them up before it gets too cold outside.
How to Plant Amaryllis Outside
Planting amaryllis bulbs outside is relatively straightforward. To set your garden up for success, our experts recommend following these planting steps:
Soak the bulb: When the threat of frost has passed, fully submerge the bulb in lukewarm water for a few hours, advises Zaber. This will hydrate it, readying it for planting.Pick the right spot: Find a location in your garden that receives partial shade. “Too much light can burn its leaves, and too much shade can stop it from flowering,” says Zaber.Plant the bulb in soil: Dig a hole in the ground. Place the bulb in the hole and backfill with soil, leaving the top 1/4 of the bulb exposed above ground.Space out the bulbs: If planting more than one bulb, space them out 15 inches apart. “This will allow the flowers to have enough space once the plant blooms,” Zaber explains.Water the soil: Water the soil to help it settle around the bulb, removing air pockets.
Caring for Amaryllis Bulbs Outside
Follow these expert tips to keep your amaryllis bulbs happy and healthy outdoors.
Sun
Amaryllis prefers partially shaded conditions for the best flowering results. Protect the leaves from afternoon sun if planting outside in warmer zones, says Pabst.
Soil
This plant likes well-draining soil mixed with some organic matter, such as compost, for extra nutrients.
Water
Amaryllis bulbs prefer evenly moist soil that isn’t waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and do not let the bulbs sit in standing water, which Pabst says could cause root rot.
Fertilizer
Fertilize once or twice a month to keep the leaves healthy and strong. “This will build up the nutrition in the bulb for flowering,” says Pabst.
Post-Bloom Care
To maintain your amaryllis after the plant blooms, Zaber recommends removing any faded flowers. Otherwise, they can form seeds, and the plant will focus all its energy on producing more foliage—not on growing more blooms.
Zaber also recommends removing the plant’s flower stalk once it turns yellow by cutting it an inch above the bulb. This will help the plant return next year and can be done with a sharp knife or a pair of pruners. “Long strap-like leaves will then appear, but do not prune these off,” says Pabst. “This is the energy collection for next year’s flowers.”
Keep the soil moist, then feed the plant every three weeks with half the recommended strength of an all-purpose balanced fertilizer until August, says Zaber.
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