christmas flowers south africa season has its favorite flowers; amaryllis and poinsettia.
Giving gifts of either of these is always appreciated and sends a special message to the recipient. I thought it would be nice to share some history of both of these flowers as well as how to care for them.
Amaryllis
•Amaryllis and Hippeastrum (Knight Star) are similar and both members of the Amaryllidaceae family. Both are warm climate plants, and come from Africa and South America.
•As you know, most of us purchase the bulb, and this often comes in a package with a vase, or pot, soil and instructions. When purchasing this for yourself or as a gift, make sure the bulb is fairly large and feels solid, or firm.
Also at this time of year, a healthy bulb will most likely be sending up thick blade-like green shoots and a single strong looking stem with developing buds. If it is already blooming, look for bulbs that haven't bloomed yet.
•When planting the bulb, make sure the soil covers it up to its neck. At the same time, make sure the roots have lots of freedom to grow.
•Once it blooms, it does become top-heavy, so adding support may be necessary.
•This plant holds water and will continue to hydrate the bloom for quite awhile, so overwatering can be hazardous.
•When the blooms are done and the leaves turn yellow, the bulb will be dormant. Prune off the dead foliage, let the soil dry out, and keep it in a cool place until it begins to produce again (usually between September and December of the next year).
These bulbs have been known to last as long as 75 years.
•If your bulb has made offshoots, these can be removed and potted up.
•If you are an early shopper and buy a bulb for someone on your christmas flowers south africa blogs list, it is best to wrap it and keep it in a cool place (50-65 degrees) until gift-giving time.
Poinsettias
•The poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherima was first cultivated by the Aztecs of Mexico. Its first religious connection came about during the 17th century when, because of its brilliant color and holiday bloom, Franciscan priests in Mexico began to use the flower in Nativity processions.
•Poinsettias were first introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett, a skilled botanist, had some plants sent to his home in Greenville, S.C. After establishing the plants in his own greenhouse, he began to send them to various botanical gardens and fellow horticulturists.
•To keep your poinsettia growing and happy during the season, it is best to set it in bright light and a cool place — not drafty.
•Poinsettias are often pot bound when you purchase them and will benefit from being repotted, roots loosened up, and fresh potting soil added.
•While the poinsettia is blooming, mix a teaspoon of granulated fertilizer in the watering can along with a little Epsom salts. Never overwater. It is important with any container plant to make sure the container has drain holes and the plant is not setting in water.
•Re-flowering your poinsettia is not easy, but with patience it can be done. Go to this web site for fairly easy how-to instructions: http://urbanext.illinois.edu/poinsettia/reflowering.cfm.
Jane Ford is an Advanced Master Gardener. Email questions to features@news-sentinel.com. This column is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinion of The News-Sentinel.
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