Maybe next year

Emaryllis shells out a fair amount each season to attempt to get as many newly available varieties into the photo gallery as possible. But sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Case in point: ‘Tutti Frutti’. While the one and only bulb in my possession did manage to bloom from a very small bulb, it had issues. Without a vigorous scape producing fully hydrated flowers, it just didn’t reach the standard of quality for entry into the gallery. But here we go, a couple of photos to whet the appetite. The name ‘Tutti Frutti’ would seem apt for a light, bright little bloomer. Think again. While a full assessment isn’t possible, it seems undeniable that this 2009 Berbée hybrid is one of the most darkly brooding and mysterious amaryllis selections introduced to date. Dark oxblood red, birdlike flowers with a deep set yellow and green heart are presented in a semi-pendulous manner that insists on close inspection. This is as close to ‘Ruby Meyer’ as has been seen in years. Striking in bud, and compelling as it opens, ‘Tuttti Frutti’ has me looking forward to next year’s bloom season already.