...OF SPRING AND SUMMER...: Floral Media - Flower Agenda - Week 48 - 52

This is the last installment for 2015 - from The Flower Council of Holland's campaign about cut flowers - it's called Flower Agenda and during the weeks 48-52 - its all about Amaryllis - used as a cut flower.

Here is a little bit of information and facts about Amaryllis:

Anyone looking to discover the amaryllis's birthplace needs to travel to South, Central America and the Caribbean. This radiant flower is a descendant of the Narcissus family, and grows from a bulb. Did you know that the name 'Amaryllis' comes from the Greek word 'amarussein', which means 'sparkling' or 'radiant'?

The amaryllis's petals are very unusual; they look like they're made from fabulous velvet. In terms of colour, they come in white, red, yellow, pink, salmon, purple, orange and bi-coloured.

There are usually four to six imposing flowers on the stem. The amaryllis does not have any foliage. That's why they sometimes call her the 'Naked Lady' in the United States.

To enjoy amaryllis for a long time follow these tips.
•   Trim the stems diagonally.
•   Select a sturdy glass vase.
•   Make sure that the vase is nice and clean, fill it with water and use cut flower food for bulb flowers.
•   Place the vase in a reasonably cool place, not in a draught or next to the fruit bowl.

The amaryllis symbolises pride and enchanting beauty. It expresses a feeling of friendship and affection. This is the perfect flower if you want to capture hearts.

The amaryllis combines well, and effortlessly fits into various styles. If you like simplicity, then combine amaryllis with Viburnum. If you prefer something livelier, but still restrained, make a fantastic white bouquet with amaryllis, lilac and magnolia. A robust bouquet also works well. Take a sturdy vase and place holly and amaryllis bulbs in it to create a bouquet that no-one can ignore!