In addition to the Christmas cactus and poinsettia, the amaryllis has become a favorite gift for the holidays.

The amaryllis (Hippeastrum) originated in the tropical regions of South America. The bulbs are long-lived and easy to grow.

Amaryllis bulbs will produce four beautiful trumpet-shaped blossoms on a tall stalk. These perennial bulbs will continue to bloom year after year with minimum care.

The amaryllis is a perennial flower that will bloom year after year with proper care.

Flowers, which last up to eight weeks, come in various shades of red, white, salmon, pink, orange and even striped.

To plant an amaryllis bulb, select a pot about 5 to 7 inches in diameter. The bulb should feel crowded in order to bloom. Always leave about an inch of soil between the bulb and pot.

Setting the bulb in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting will revive it more quickly. Fill the pot about half full of rich potting soil, then water the soil well.

Next, place the bulb in the pot, pointed end up, and fill with soil leaving the neck of the bulb an inch above the soil. Covering the neck can lead to a rotted bulb.

Be sure to firm the soil around the neck so the bulb will have support. You may want to insert a bamboo rod at this time to support the flower stalk later.

Place the potted bulb in a warm spot that receives bright indirect light. Turning the plant from time to time will prevent it from becoming one-sided. Water sparingly until the stalk appears, then keep the soil moist but not saturated.

According to Sandra at Bonnie’s Greenhouse, 5198 Orchard Lane, the newly potted bulb will bloom in eight to 10 weeks.

Amaryllis flower in the winter and grow foliage during the summer to store up nutrition for the next flowering. After bloom, cut off the flowers as they fade.

When the stem droops, cut it off about 2 inches above the bulb and apply a slow release fertilizer.

Amaryllis bulbs will produce four trumpet-shaped blossoms on a stalk.

Continue to water normally. When temperatures are above 55 degrees, you can set the pot outside, as amaryllis thrive in sunshine. The bulbs will grow larger and produce larger blooms when allowed to grow in the sun during the summer. Fertilizing monthly will also aid their growth.

One Waco grandmother was given an amaryllis every Christmas by her grandchildren. She planted the bulbs in a flower bed in her back yard. Their continued blooming has been a lasting gift.

Another Waco resident moved her amaryllis bulbs to the garden when the weather warmed. She planted them near the house with morning sun and afternoon shade. The bulbs bloomed again in May. Some varieties will bloom again in the fall.

If you want your amaryllis to bloom at Christmas time, the bulbs need about six to eight weeks of dormant time.

Around Aug. 1, withhold water. Turn the pot on its side to prevent accidental watering.

Store it in a cool location or remove the bulb after the leaves wither, dust it off and store it in the refrigerator.

But beware. If apples also are also in the refrigerator, your bulbs will be sterilized by the ethylene gas from the fruit.

After a minimum of six weeks, just repot in a container about 4 inches larger than the bulb, using good potting soil.

Place in a warm, sunny location and water. In about eight weeks, you should have a lovely flower.