Awe Inspiring Amaryllis Bulbs
 Even non-gardeners typically recognize amaryllis
bulbs and know they are among the easiest to grow for dazzling Christmas flowers. Here are a trio of qualities that elevate this popular forcing bulb to holiday hero status.
- Big.
- With blossoms up to 8" across, in clusters of four to six, few bloomers can compete with the impact these plants deliver. Multiple flower stalks are common. (Bulb size correlates with bloom quantity and quality, so buy large ones for the best displays.)
- Colorful.
- Red, white, pink, coral and every shade in between are available. Some varieties sport flashy star patterns or contrasting ribbon edges. These are gorgeous additions to holiday centerpieces and make excellent gift plants.
- Easy.
- The botanical name, Hippeastrum, is the hardest thing about these. Each amaryllis bulb contains everything needed for an eye-popping show, so even certified black-thumbs succeed with these.
Those fortunate enough to live in warm climates (zones 8-10) can grow amaryllis
bulbs outside year round. But indoors or out, you'll be enchanted with these
big beauties. Treat yourself!
Paperwhites, Perfumed Princesses
 If amaryllis are the queens of holiday forcing bulbs, paperwhites are certainly the undisputed princesses. Smaller, more delicate and with up to a dozen daffodil
like florets per stem, these fast to bloom royalty earn their lofty status.
The one area where paperwhite flowers clearly outshine amaryllis is in the aroma department. Highly fragrant paperwhite blooms have the ability to perfume an entire room for several weeks. Just two or three bulbs will do the job, for about $1 each. What a delightful deal.
Paperwhites are tremendous favorites for holiday decorations and winter windowsills. Because they grow so quickly and deliver such sweet scents, they're also teachers' top choices for children's science projects. What more rewarding way to teach kids about bulbs and plant growth, especially in the dead of winter?
Paperwhite bulbs are available from mid fall through late winter. Grow them to delight kids, extend the holiday spirit or envelope yourself in a fragrant cloud as you work at your desk.
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