January 18, 2010

Amaryllis 'Faro' is Perky



Besides Amaryllis 'Rozetta' (which I posted about here), I also have three pots of 'Faro' blooming. These single, salmon-colored blooms have a different character than Rozetta's double pink flowers. If these flowers were dresses, Rozetta would be a taffeta ball gown and Faro would be a chic a-line.



Though all the bulbs were planted at the same time, Faro took about two weeks longer to start blooming. Now the last flowers on the second and third stalks of Rozetta are fading while Faro's second round is just starting.



Because Faro is a single flower, its anthers have not been converted to extra petals, and it produces pollen. I doubt its sticky, heavy pollen would get into your nose to cause allergies, but the pollen does make a little mess beneath the pot if you bump the flowers. With three little kids and a clutzy gardener in residence, flower bumping happens regularly around here. I accidentally snapped off two or three of the buds on various amaryllis. Oops.



The strips on Faro's flowers are coral, and enjoying them has inspired me to look for more coral-colored flowers for outside. I'm currently thinking that I really need some coral peonies. Since I'm a nut for researching plants, I looked at a number of websites and catalogs to find the best coral peony.



I finally emailed the owners of Swenson Gardens, a Minnesota nursery specializing in peonies, and asked which coral peony would have the most vivid color with the least fading. I was pleased to get a reply stating that although all the corals fade somewhat, Coral Charm would have the most color. I'll probably order a couple this fall, but meanwhile I'll enjoy the last of my perky amaryllis blooms.

19 comments:

  1. wow, all of your amarillys are incredible beautiful, such an exotic flower!!! The Rozetta one in the other post is fab!! Thanks for all the information.
    Muchos cariños,
    Maria Cecilia

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  2. Hi VW~~ Beautiful flower! I'm not sure what did it for me but a few years ago, the color coral began sneaking into my heart. Obsession ensued, of course. Some of the inhabitants: 'Cinco de Mayo' rose, 'Mutabalis' rose, heuchera, Abelia x 'Mardi Gras' Tiger Eye Sumac and the salmon colored Agastaches are wonderful. This is just a sampling of course but as a color addict who needed a broader fix, coral was the remedy. Every year it's something. I hadn't thought of a coral peony but my wheels are spinning now!

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  3. That shot of the bloom backlit is really striking. I am jealous of the multiple stalks...mine has had one stalk (so far) and I am not sure about it having more.
    I look forward to seeing the peach peony. (does it have the added bonus of fragrance?? )

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  4. VW, I have a good peony book, so when I get a minute I'll look up some corals for you. I'm a bit of a coral girl myself. Your amaryllis look lovely.

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  5. Oooh, VW, I like this one even better than Rozetta. Coral is my favorite color too, and that particular peony is the only herbaceous one that would ever cause me to part with some cash. Hope you get it! :-)
    Frances

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  6. VW girl .. I like this one too ! I just don't know if I will expand from Apple Blossom because the lack of room (that is at least the no kitty zone room) is a problem .. I do love this colour though and great shots with the camera make it look very intriguing : )
    Joy

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  7. Very pretty, post. I like all your photos, however that second one is amazing!

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  8. Oh, VW what a beauty. Love the veining in the blooms. Wonderful pictures. The light behind the one shot is just magical.

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  9. Coral is such a perfect color for January, the reds of Christmas are nothing but wisps of memories. Coral shines, and it tells us to be patient,for spring is coming.

    Jen

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  10. Very pretty blooms! I might like the color of this one better than the Exotica that I bought locally. The third stalk is still in bloom.

    Next year I'm going back to red for Christmas, though, the darker the better, and maybe an Appleblossom for old times' sake.

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  11. Oh, I love the photo of the Amaryllis with the sunlight shining through it. You can see the salmon color so clearly. Thank you for sharing!

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  12. Lovely photos of a lovely flower and a very welcome sight for many, many gardeners at this time of year! :)

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  13. Hi VW

    Much more subtle colour in Faro.

    I'm a fan of coral too, good luck with your peonies.

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  14. Hi VW,
    You have convinced me to try some coral colored flowers this year... I think your A. are so pretty and a fresh new color, something besides the typical red.

    Rosey

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  15. What a pretty one. I think I will need to try several more Amaryllis next year. I have mine high up away from kids and the dog, I'd hate to lose a bloom :)

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  16. VW, These are beautiful photos! I don't usually like to declare a favorite... but I really like the one in which the light makes the flower petals appear translucent. :-) Thanks for sharing!! Have a great weekend.

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  17. Красота просто глаз не оторвать

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  18. Highly energetic post, I enjoyed that bit. Will there be a part 2?

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  19. I visit everyday some sites and websites to read content, except this blog gives quality based content.

    ReplyDelete

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