The amaryllis flower is a wonderful combination of petals and bright colors, which is much more than just a beautiful flower – it is the embodiment of beauty and strength. The amaryllis flower meaning is often linked with confidence, love, and determination. If you want to decorate your home with a splash of color, buy a gift for your loved one, or learn about the meaning of flowers, the story of the amaryllis flower will interest you. Let’s go deeper to understand this beautiful flower and find out how it can bring positive energy into your life.
The History of the Amaryllis
The amaryllis flower is one of the most beautiful flowers that have a very interesting story behind their discovery and meaning. The amaryllis belladonna is said to have been taken to Europe in the early 1500s by the Portuguese explorers, other explorers who took the plants back to Europe included the Spanish and Italian explorers. It is found in areas such as the Canary Islands and Madeira and it is believed that the plant reached Europe through the sugar cane and slave trade and was present in England by the early part of the eighteenth century.
The name Amaryllis is derived from the Greek word amarysso which means to sparkle this is after a myth of a shepherdess who was willing to shed her blood for her sweetheart. Because of their appearance similar to lilies, the amaryllis flowers used to be referred to as lilies including the ‘March lily’ in South Africa or ‘the deadly or stinking ‘belladonna lily’ in the UK. In Portugal, it is called “St. Joseph’s Staff”, a story that his staff turned into a flower to signify that he was chosen by God.
The first important find was made in 1828 when the German botanist Eduard Friedrich Poeppig discovered the amaryllis hippeastrum in Chile. In the middle of the nineteenth century, hybridization attempts in Australia by Sir William Macarthur led to cross breeding of Amaryllis belladonna with Brunsvigia to produce hybrids now known as x Amarygia.
Amaryllis Flower Meaning
The amaryllis flower carries deep symbolism, shaped by its striking appearance, growth patterns, and the myth of Amaryllis and Alteo. Each aspect of amaryllis flower tells a unique story of strength, love, beauty, determination, and patience.
Strength
Amaryllis stems are tall and sturdy, symbolizing strength and resilience. In the Victorian era, gifting amaryllis was a way to recognize someone’s inner strength and fortitude. The myth of Amaryllis and Alteo, where Amaryllis repeatedly pierces her heart to prove her love, also reflects this theme of unwavering strength.
Love
The story of Amaryllis and Alteo, though unconventional, represents deep, enduring love that goes beyond fleeting emotions. Amaryllis flower is a symbol of love that transforms and consumes every part of one’s life. For a unique romantic gesture, consider giving a bouquet of amaryllis or a bulb to grow as a lasting symbol of your love that will continue to bloom.
Beauty
Known for its stunning, trumpet-shaped blooms and tall stems, the amaryllis flower captures attention and admiration. Its striking beauty is undeniable, and modern varieties are exceptionally captivating. For someone who appreciates elegance, a bouquet of amaryllis can be a perfect housewarming gift or a way to brighten their space.
Determination
The story of Amaryllis teaches us about determination and perseverance. Just as Amaryllis was determined to win Alteo’s love, the flower itself symbolizes persistence. Despite being a spring-blooming bulb, it waits for the right conditions to emerge and bloom beautifully. An amaryllis can be a thoughtful gift for someone facing challenges or pursuing a difficult goal—like a friend in a tough class or a sibling starting a new business.
Patience
The amaryllis also embodies patience, as it follows a cycle of blooming, fading, and then gathering strength for its next bloom. As a perennial, it waits through months of dormancy, storing energy to bloom again when the time is right. Gifting an amaryllis bulb can remind someone that patience and time can lead to renewed beauty and success. Watching it grow can be a comforting symbol that good things come to those who wait.
Each meaning behind the amaryllis flower offers a thoughtful message, making it a versatile and meaningful gift for any occasion.
The Smell of Amaryllis
The amaryllis flower is not only a beautiful flower but also has a delicate scent. Even though not all the varieties of amaryllis are aromatic, those that are, have a mild sweet fragrance reminiscent of vanilla. The amaryllis flower’s gentle smell is said to be relaxing and enjoyable thus adding to the beauty of the flower making it even more beautiful.
The Different Amaryllis Colors Meaning
Amaryllis flowers are of different colors and all have different meaning as well. However, red is by far the most common, although white, pink, and purple also have their own specific connotations and can be used in different circumstances.
White Amaryllis
The white amaryllis flower meaning is purity and spirituality. White amaryllis are plain and that is why are often used in weddings as a symbol of a new beginning for the newlyweds. White Amaryllis are also used in funerals to pass messages of peace and also to give a peaceful send-off to a loved one who has died.
Red Amaryllis
Red amaryllis has a meaning of true love and deep affection. Red amaryllis is not the sweet love of a fling with someone one meets on a dating app but a deep bond with a life partner. Due to their deep red color, Red amaryllis is also used in Christmas and winter-related themes to give warmth and emotion to the winter festive setting.
Purple Amaryllis
The color purple is symbolic of royalty, respect, and admiration. The color purple has dignity and should be used when you want to say ‘thank you’ to someone, like a boss, teacher, or mentor. In this case, gifting a purple amaryllis is a classy way of showing appreciation and honoring somebody.
Pink Amaryllis
The pink amaryllis flower meaning is friendship, admiration light, playful affection or love. While red is passionate, pink amaryllis is more of a symbol of support, care, and happiness. Pink amaryllis makes it a good gift that will cheer up a friend or let someone know you are always considering them and value their company.
How to Care for Your Amaryllis
If you have been gifted with an amaryllis plant then you are in for a special treat! Here are ways how to keep it healthy and vibrant during the festive season and the following years.
- Place in Indirect Light: Place your amaryllis in a sunny location but do not expose it to direct sunlight. These flowers need partial light or shade and as such, they are not out there seeking to get a tan. Another thing that you can do is to turn the pot a little each day so that your amaryllis will have an even growth.
- Keep Away from Fruit: Well, keep away from fruit is good to have a fruit bowl nearby but do not put your amaryllis near it. Flowers are sensitive to gases emitted by fruits, which causes the flowers to wilt faster.
- Avoid Drafts: Protect your amaryllis from cold drafts by keeping it away from doors and windows. Place amaryllis in a warm area where it can get plenty of natural light.
- Water Regularly: The care of the amaryllis flower entails watering it every two weeks when the amaryllis is in bloom. Ensure that the soil is dry before watering it again in order to prevent cases of over-watering. Amaryllis does not require a lot of water so one should check the water content of the soil before adding more.
- Handle Cut Stems with Care: When taking cuttings, make sure that you use a sharp knife so that you do not harm the stems which are usually hollow. Be gentle so that they don’t get destroyed or spoiled.
- Use a Sturdy Vase for Cuttings: Amaryllis flowers are large and need strong support in a vase. Choose a sturdy vase to keep the stems upright.
- Flowering Period: Amaryllis flowers typically bloom within 7-10 weeks. Expect a longer blooming period during winter compared to spring.
Final Words
The amaryllis flower meaning is rather deep, so it can be truly said that the amaryllis flower is an exquisite combination of both beauty and strength. If one is attracted to its beauty, then having the amaryllis in one’s home or as a gift to a loved one will definitely be impressive. Accept the power and beauty of the amaryllis flower and make the amaryllis flower give you new energy and charm.