News: The Garden Amaryllis

The Garden Amaryllis

Today it is so cold and miserable that to cheer myself up I thought I may give some thought to my oncoming summer garden.

The amaryllis are in full flower on my windowsill and have inspired me to add some of their fantastic colour and elegance to my border. Hippeastrum sonatini are ideal and always interest and comment. They produce 2 to 3 stems per bulb each bearing up to four slender trumpets. They may be left to naturalise and only require some protection during severe winter weather.

The bulbs can be planted in the border or containers but good drainage is essential, add horticultural grit if necessary. Use a rich compost and feed regularly over the summer with a tomato plant food. Keep well-watered as necessary. After the flowers have died back heap sand or ashes around the crown to offer some winter protection.