Amaryllis

You might have seen Amaryllis bulbs, in the shops, in the run up to Christmas. They have become a popular Christmas gift. They originate from South Africa and are bulbous plants that have long flower spikes.

When you buy them as a gift, they typically come with an attractive plant pot. However, as they are just bulbs when you buy them it is not quite as instant as a bouquet of flowers or a Poinsettia with its deep red or white leaves.

You might be visiting the person for Christmas and not see them for a few months or longer, so it's possible you never get to see what the Amaryllis turns out like, other than an illustration on the box. So here one is, two months after Christmas Day....