The bright red Hippeastrum bulbs are associated with some fascinating mythical traditions. Some you probably would not believe!

Take, for example, a myth in ancient Greece which says that the bright red Hippeastrum bulbs originated from the affection Amaryllis had for the shepherd Alteo. Alteo was fond of flowers and to win his love, Amaryllis went to the High Priestess of Delphi for advice. On her order, she stood for thirty days and nights piercing her heart with a golden arrow. On the thirteenth night, bright red Hippeastrum bulbs grew from her blood.

The gift of Amaryllis has been linked to the Christmas day for centuries and their popularity has not dulled even a bit. According to the Society of American Florists, millions of people all around the country plans to buy Christmas day’s gifts from florists and the Hippeastrum bulbs continue to be the go-to choice for most of them.

But why Amaryllis’s bright red flower? There are literally millions of lovely flowers to pick from. Let us turn to the experts to get an answer. The Hippeastrum bulbs are a symbol of love, sacrifice, and determination. Amaryllis is a Greek name that means, “the one who sparkles.” Alfred Tennyson was one of the most popular English poets. He is famous for perfectly depicting different aspects of nature. In his famous poem, “The Daisy”, he pens down the beauty of Hippeastrum bulbs.

If the flowers could speak, they would likely agree with Tennyson’s sentiments. In the language of the flowers, the Hippeastrum bulbs translate to the strong affection and love.

Amaryllis has been the most treasured flower for centuries. They were considered so sacred that in ancient Greece, the rulers considered them as legal tender. As for the bright red Amaryllis, a modified form of this flower is also used as a symbol of Huntington’s Disease. Its shape represents the upper torso and symbolising how Huntington’s disease affects the brain and mental functions.

The Hippeastrum bulbs are very popular indoor plants because the bulbs bloom inside. Each plant has 5 to 12 inches trumpet-shaped beautiful flower. They are tropical plants but can grow fine in 9-11 zone. As far as their medical usage is concerned, certain species of this flower are high in isoquinoline alkaline. They can be very beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and seizure. So there are plenty of reasons to plant these in your garden, and you may just find they translate to the sentiments of love and affection!

It’s also worth pointing out the fact that Hippeastrum bulbs need to be planted in a pot indoors, ideally a a well-lit spot at 21°C. You should then turn the pot regularly to prevent the flower stalk growing towards the light. Cultivars with large flowers should be staked, but when in flower, move the plant to a cooler place, about 15–18°C (60-65°F).