Amaryllis (Hippeastrum): vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Hippeastrum hybrids
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) (Hippeastrum hybrids, family Amaryllidaceae) usually lasts 7–14 days in a vase. In season: Winter, Spring. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: focal flower.
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)
- Botanical name
- Hippeastrum hybrids
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Aliases
- hippeastrum
- Native origin
- South Africa, Mediterranean Basin and South America
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial with sturdy, upright flowering stems.
- Stem length
- 50–70 cm
- Natural colours
- Red, Pink, White, Orange
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in winter, spring
- Commercial supply
- Peak in winter, spring
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Its hollow stem can split at the base: recut cleanly and use a tall vase to support the heavy blooms. Remove spent flowers.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Focal flower in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Its hollow stem can split at the base: recut cleanly and use a tall vase to support the heavy blooms. Remove spent flowers.
For florists
Try Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) in a client design
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Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Its hollow stem can split at the base: recut cleanly and use a tall vase to support the heavy blooms. Remove spent flowers.
- Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is mildly toxic to cats and dogs: remind clients with pets to keep it out of reach.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ! | Mildly toxic if eaten — advise keeping it out of reach. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | About 7–14 days in a vase — fine to make up a day ahead. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as amaryllis (hippeastrum) and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Baby's breath | Filler flower | 7–10 days |
| Hellebore | Filler flower | 7–10 days |
| Stock (Matthiola) | Line flower | 7–10 days |
| Dendrobium orchid | Line flower | 10–14 days |
| Eucalyptus | Foliage | 10–14 days |
| Monstera leaf | Foliage | 10–14 days |
Substitutes
When amaryllis (hippeastrum) is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerbera daisy | 6–10 days | Year-round | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| Calla lily | 7–10 days | Year-round | None | mildly toxic |
| Lily | 7–10 days | Year-round | Strong | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| Lisianthus | 7–14 days | Year-round | None | — |
FAQ
How long does amaryllis (hippeastrum) last in a vase?
Usually 7–14 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is amaryllis (hippeastrum) in season?
In season in winter, spring; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep amaryllis (hippeastrum) fresh?
Its hollow stem can split at the base: recut cleanly and use a tall vase to support the heavy blooms. Remove spent flowers.
What colours does amaryllis (hippeastrum) come in?
Naturally in red, pink, white, orange (not counting dyed stems).
Is amaryllis (hippeastrum) toxic to cats or dogs?
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
What can I use instead of amaryllis (hippeastrum)?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Gerbera daisy, Calla lily, Lily, Lisianthus.
Related guides
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