The amaryllis with its magnificent flowers can be found on almost every windowsill, especially during the Christmas season. Find out here whether it is also suitable for keeping outdoors and how you should optimally care for it.
Can the amaryllis stand outside?
The amaryllis can be left outside in summer as long as it doesn't get frost or icy drafts. It is not hardy in winter and cannot be left outdoors. Temperatures below -1 degrees Celsius can cause frost damage.
Can I put the amaryllis out?
The amaryllis can spend theoutdoors during the summer. After they bloom in February or March, first cut off the withered flower stalks. If it is warm enough, you can put them outside. However, make sure that the plant does not get any frost or icy drafts. During the summer it can be kept outside on the balcony or terrace in a shady place at temperatures between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. Water and fertilize them regularly with liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon).
Can the amaryllis be left outside in winter?
The amaryllis, also known as knight's star, originally comes from Hippeastrum vittatum, a wild species from the subtropical regions of South America, especially Peru, but also from Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina. It is thereforenot hardyEven light frost can cause irreparable damage to the plant. If your amaryllis is outside in a protected place in the summer, you have toget it back in before the first frost in the fall.
How cold can amaryllis be?
Amaryllis should no longer be watered from August onwards. After a few weeks the leaves dry up and she has drawn all her energy into her bulb. Now you can cut off the withered leaves in autumn and place the tuber in a cool, dark place for its rest phasefrost-proofataround 16 degrees Celsius. Here she gathers strength for the next flowering phase. A few weeks later you can place them in a warm, bright place at20 degrees Celsius to flower.
Can the real amaryllis stay outside during the winter?
The real amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna), which is somewhat rarer, comes from South Africa. The belladonna lily and the knight's star are visually very similar and were both previously classified under the genus Amaryllis. The real amaryllis does not have a tall flower stalk and blooms white or pink from February to April. However, like the Ritterstern, it isnot hardy and must not get frost. In conventional stores you can almost only buy the knight's star, as it blooms at Christmas time.
Tip
How to recognize frost damage to the amaryllis
Amaryllis are very sensitive to frost. Even temperatures below -1 degrees Celsius can kill the plant. Cold drafts from a tilted window or an open door are often enough to cause serious damage to the amaryllis. You can usually recognize cold damage by drooping, brownish and mushy leaves. If you recognize the damage in time, the tuber may be able to be saved.
