The Kit Bejeweled
‘Jewel’ is a curious double amaryllis that doesn’t measure up in many ways to its more modern brethren. It’s been around for over twenty years, and it’s becoming harder to locate in the bulb trade. While so many other double white Hippeastrum hybrids offer more flowers per scape, more petals, and much larger blooms, ‘Jewel’ remains singular. The trumpet-like flowers are not large, but that means they are held outright so that the viewer can glimpse that black cherry eye beaming from within its snowy chalice. The view inside is made all the easier by Jewel’s primary flaw; too few petals to be fully double. Sometimes in fact the flowers will be decidedly single and lily-like. As if to compensate, it does offer something few amaryllis hybrids to date can boast: a modicum of sweet fragrance. So, when some ‘Jewel’ kits were found on offer at a local nursery, sentiment took over, and this kit made its way to the Emaryllis growing facilities.
At $17 US, this kit is more expensive than some, but it does have “high end” traits. The reverse side of the label lists the bulb size; not all kits do. It claims that the bulb inside is in the 24/26 cm circumference class which is decent, though none too large. The standout feature (mostly due to its intense color!) is the glazed ceramic pot that obviates the need for an outer box. The cylamen-magenta color may not be for every taste, but the glaze is of high quality, and turning the container over reveals that it is made in Germany. It is weighty and will no doubt find some use as a vase or utensil holder, but not as a growing pot- it has no drainage holes. Many such kits come with what is essentially a fanciful cachepot; attempts to grow any plant, much less one very sensitive to overwatering in one of these is a disaster in the making.
Since obtaining the cultivar was the primary reason for this purchase, the bulb is destined for a clay pot with a drainage hole, and a decent potting mix. This is not a test of the kit per se.
This kit was purchased November 10, 2018, and in less than one month was in bloom, and definitely true to its label. On the downside, the bulb (which measured at the highest end of its size claim, 26cm) only produced one scape, which in this case was already emerging, and bent at the tip from its confinement even on the date of sale. ‘Jewel’ is prone to quick sprouting, so its use in kits such as this is not ideal, but in this case it was a welcome opportunity to put back into the collection a hybrid that may be making its way out of the marketplace altogether.
Ooo, I’ve never seen Jewel before. I like it. It has understated elegance. And it is kind of like a daffodil with the center clump of petals. If I see one for sale, I think I’ll have to buy one, even though I’ve already narrowed down the purchase I plan to make for next year (leaning strongly towards Benfica because I want a dark red amaryllis with blossoms the size of my face this time around).
I was foiled again. I had the opportunity to purchase that same Jewel kit so I did. I even grabbed one already blooming, but I was in Such a rush that I failed to make sure it was ‘Jewel’! *facepalm*
‘White Nymph’ found her way to me after last year’s ‘Popov’ substitution. I am both irked and yet pleased with it. Can’t say she isn’t beautiful!
Opal Star is a hidden gem in the outdoor landscape. I have several and they have naturalized into large clumps that produce lots of flowers. Blooms without fuzz or bother, getting only rain and a rare topdressing of fertilizers.
That’s nice to know. ‘Opal Star’ does seem to be vigorous and healthy. I doubt it is hardy where I am, but you must be in a warmer zone.
That’s the kind of plant I love to have in my outdoor garden. No fuss type that thrives with little aytention. I’m too far north to plant hippys year round, but I did put mine out for the summer last year. They did good and are blooming for me inside. 🙂
The only reason the third dry bulb was the correct Apple was because the poor thing was blooming. A very sad, but fragrant performance. I wonder if the bulb will even recover.
I did purchase two kits, about 8 weeks apart, both were labeled Stargazer. The first one has bloomed…a very small solid red with a slight nod to the flower. I was very disappointed at first, but it’s a new variety to my collection. I think it’s Firecracker and it’s second scape is opening. The second kit is without a scape even nosing up yet, just a few leaves.
I have several more unknowns I’m waiting on, but all in all I can only count on being surprised.
Keep us up on the progress Rosie! ‘Firecracker’ would be an unlikely find as it has been out of production for a while as far as I know. Feel free to send a photo for ID to info(at)emaryllis.com
I will do my best!
You’re probably right about that. I will email photos to you once this 2nd scape blooms. Only days away from opening!
This exact same kit was available at my local nursery too. Alfresco and Dancing Queen were the other offerings next to Jewel. I’m wishing I could of gotten Jewel as I find her appealing and I’m all for the fragranced varieties.
Yes, those were the three offerings that I saw as well. There are so many nice double white amaryllis (‘Alfresco’ being one of them) that ‘Jewel’ may not be around much longer. I would snap one up next season if they are offered. There may be just enough of us to keep at least one grower producing her! Thanks for dropping by, and Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you too. I’m so happy to see a new blog entry! This season has been wacky for me. I’m still batting 4/5 mislabeled bulbs! You’ll never guess what beauty I got while trying to acquire Apple Blossom though!
Happy New Year and thanks, Rosie! Yes, this looks like a normal season with lots of mislabels. What did you get in place of Apple Blossom? Was it a box kit or dry bulb you bought?
A dry bulb. Well, the first one I got came up a Telstar. Not even close right? But the next attempt is even more out there. I knew something was funny with its extremely vivid scapes and narrow folded leaves. Badum I got an Opal Star! I never thought I would get a variety like that here.