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WHERE TO SOURCE CUT FLOWERS Florabundance florabundance.com Holland America Flowers hollandamericaflowers.com Mayesh Wholesale Florist mayesh.com BULBS Dutch Grown dutchgrown.com Longfield Gardens longfield-gardens.com Fun Facts ¡ The common name amaryllis comes from the Greek word "amarysso," which means to sparkle. ¡ In the "Language of Flowers," the amaryllis represents strength and determination. ¡ Certain substances isolated from amaryllis bulbs and stems have medicinal uses. Studies are notably being done on using the substances to treat Alzheimer's disease. ¡ The Huntington's Disease Society of America has adopted this flower as its symbol to represent hope and celebrate the advancements in HD research. ¡ Amaryllis flowers come in all sorts of shapes and colors. Plant breeders have developed more than 600 named varieties. ¡ Christmastime is not the primary flowering period for amaryllis bulbs. Depending on the planting time in the Northern Hemisphere (usually October through April), amaryllis bulbs typically flower from late December through June. ¡ Amaryllis bulbs can generate blooms for up to 75 years, when properly cared for. ¡ Waxed amaryllis bulbs don't need water to grow. ¡ You can grow amaryllises from seed, but it can take up to six years for them to reach maturity and produce flowers. DESIGN TIPS 1. Amaryllis stems are hollow and often need extra support in floral designs. One technique is to insert a long support stake—a thick wood skewer, hyacinth stake or sturdy flower stem, for example—into the hollow stem, to keep it strong and upright. e hollow stem creates a perfect cavity for CARE AND HANDLING OF CUT AMARYLLISES Cut amaryllises can look stunning for weeks when properly handled and cared for. ¡ When cut amaryllises arrive in your store, they can be stored in their shipping box in a floral cooler at temperatures between 41 F and 50 F for a few days, if needed, before processing. ¡ When processing cut amaryllises, gently and carefully remove the stems from the box; they can crack easily. ¡ Recut the stem ends with a sterile, sharp knife, removing about 1 inch of stem, and immediately place them into tall containers with 3 to 4 inches of properly proportioned flower food solution—preferably bulb-specific flower food. ¡ Store these flowers in a floral cooler at temperatures between 41 F and 50 F (amaryllises are one of the few tropical bulb flowers, native to the Caribbean region and to tropical and subtropical South America). ¡ Change the flower food solution and recut stem ends every day for longer life. hiding a stem used as a strengthening mechanic. 2. To arrange amaryllis stems into floral foam, there are a couple of methods. One is to attach bind three wood picks to the bottom of each stem, extending about 1 inch beyond the stem end, with waterproof tape. is anchor will help you insert the stem into floral foam and secure it. A second method is to cut a hole in the floral foam, in which you can place the flower stem. You can then brace the stem by placing three wood picks into the foam, around the stem. 3. When you want a cluster of amaryllis blossoms to create a focal point, for example, gently position the stems so that the blossoms are in the position you like, and secure the stems with waterproof tape, stem wrap or binding tape. en arrange the stem cluster into the design. 4. Amaryllis stem ends are prone to splitting and curling. If you wish to prevent this, wrap the stem ends with waterproof tape. Nelson Hiltner Floral Rush Los Angeles, Calif. 14 February | 2022 Feature

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