I was very impressed by the local choices last season... if the choices are as good this year, I'll be sure to post a list, in case anyone wants to do a group order, or something like that.

It's been so hard to restrain myself, and so disappointing to have to keep the list to a minimum... I just don't have the space indoors to add too much to the already burgeoning collection! What I should do is rethink my current collection, in terms of what I want to do with them in the future, and trade out what I don't need. The problem is, the ones I don't need are common varieties that everyone already has... trading won't be easy!

Depending on how the next few months go, I just may end up getting more indoor space... we're in the process of selling our property, and if all goes well, we'll be moving before next summer. I'm hopeful of ending up with more windows and more plant space! Maybe I'll hold off on thinning the collection until I find out what the future holds...

Sweet Lilian is definitely one of my favorites... the blooms were spectacular! Anyone adding this one to their collection won't be disappointed!

I know what you mean. I am also taking my time in choosing new bulbs.

Jodi, I too am being more selective and am looking for flowers that are very different then what I have. Thai Thai would be nice!

Pax, I have also been looking at the pics of Neon Rose and was wondering if the color was really that vibrant. It looks like it is a smaller flower that has more blooms?

The hippeastrum did wonderfully outside under palm trees for the summer. I did fertilize (time release)and checked on them but, other then that, I pretty much ignored them. We had plenty of rain this summer and except for a couple of times I watered, they were on their own.(I found they did better without me killing them with kindness). I just checked on the roots and all have completely filled their one gallon pots. I am taking a few that have very large bulbs and lying them on their side in the shade to see if I can sweet talk them into resting - then hopfully I will be able to coax them into flowering for the holidays. We will see.

Hi All--

I don't think I'm ordering anything this year. My wife and I are moving and because the housing market is awful, we're renting out our house...no...property (its no longer our house-- gatta detach from it!). Anyway, we're moving into an apartment instead-- though it is a really nice one, I'm losing my yard and space for plants. Thankfully, we have a big patio for the warmer times. To help ease the move, all my amarylli will be de-potted and put into dormancy.

I'm gonna miss gardening with an actual garden-- but both of our jobs moved!

BTW-- though my bulblets are still not blooming size, would anyone be willing to trade bulbs??

Here's what I have that also have babies growing:

Dancing Queen
Ragtime
Picotee
Jewel
Royal Velvet
Minerva (I'm willing to give up a big bulb as I have two, though I doubt many will want it since Minerva is so common)
Apple blossom

Yet to develop babies:
Elvas
White Nymph

I prefer doubles but like anything picoteed. I'm not a huge pink fan, either-- but love reds.

Serenity now! Insanity later... :o)

Ryan

I'm sorry to hear you're losing your gardening space, Ryan... I'm not sure what I would do if I couldn't garden. I'm getting more limited in what I can do, as time goes by, but digging and maintaining a garden helps keep me moving and keeps me sane! I don't think I would fare well in an apartment without a garden! While we do live in an apartment, it's the entire second floor of a country house... and I'm very lucky that I can garden to my heart's content in the large yard.

When we do finally move, I'll be doing quite a bit of digging and dividing, so I have plants for the yard of the new place we buy.

Larry brought a brand new shop light assembly upstairs yesterday, so I'm going to have some space for new bulbs, after all! I can't go nuts buying, but I can get a few more than I originally had planned! I'm really happy with this turn of events! Lights! Yeah!

RFCfish -- Welcome and thanks for hopping right on in. Thank you for sharing the source for Splash; I've decided that I am going to be getting it. Wonderful selection! I too am getting Ruby Meyers, Snow White, and Alfresco. =)

Blanca -- Is there any particular hybrid/variety that is out of culture that you could share info about? Maybe like the top three you would recommend? I'm always looking for something different and beautiful and I respect your knowledge and taste. I'm hopeful for Thai Thai too *fingers crossed* =)

Jodi -- I can't wait to see Sweet Lilian in person. I've arranged for an October delivery for her so that I can have her blooming in my house by Christmas. And please do post your list of your local offerings when they are available; I don't know if I can order anymore with the ridiculous amount of bulbs I have ordered already but still.....by the way, did your Amputo bloom for you eventually?

Jody -- I was wondering about you! =) I'm actually ordering Amputo this year and the photos you posted of yours was my inspiration. I can still remember how pristine and elegant your Amputo looked with the velvety petals. I'm going to order Neon Rose....I shouldn't because of the lack of space but the flower just look soooo beautiful. Once I get it in and have it going, I'll be sure to post photos. It's supposed to have a higher flower count and the picture of it online (I'm sure it's been enhanced) makes it look so amazing. Good luck with the forced dormancy....I'm contemplating whether or not I should do it to my plants as they look a bit affected by all the rain we had in the last two weeks. We'll see....=)

Ryan -- So sorry to hear about your property. I know the economy is really tough right now and everyone is affected by it in some sort of way whether it's gas, groceries, property, finances, etc. Good luck with your move and your new job. After the economy settles down some and our government get their priorities straightened out, I'm sure you'll be able to reclaim your property! =)

I'm afraid not, Pax... Amputo and Misty never gave me blooms, but they both did grow very healthy leaves this summer, so we'll see what time might bring. It's funny that both trumpet varieties should do that, but there you are... I wonder if their culture is a tiny bit different, or I'm missing something?

If your Sweet Lilian is half what mine was, you'll adore her! She's incredibly beautiful in person!

I'm expanding my initial list to include H. reticulatum 'Mrs. Garfield'... she's an expensive bulb, so I'll have to save a few more pennies... but she'll be worth it!

We're planning a garden center trip very soon... I'll be sure to list anything they have, and try to find out what they plan to get in this season... last year's fare was really quite impressive!

Pax and Jodik--

Don't worry over me and my losing my garden-- I have been in places before where people said I couldn't garden and I still did :o)

This is the first time I'm renting something out like this so it is a little freaky but this is Colorado Springs-- and though the housing crisis isn't as bad here as other places in the country. Thankfully, people are looking to rent, not buy-- and I happen to be renting!

And the only reason we're moving to an apartment is because my wife's company owns the building-- so score on that one! (this should let me save up some cash for some really cool Aussie bulbs next year-- thanks Soultan!) Another great thing is that everything is within walking distance-- parks, stores, entertainment. I'm actually kind of excited for it! And for a couple like us who recycle 97% of what we use, try to drive the least possible and I'd like to think we're paying for re-newable wind energy from the wind farms in eastern Colorado, I think this move helps even more.

Unlike many here-- I have only 12 or so bulbs-- but I'm ready for something new and fun.

If you're looking to grow something new and interesting, may I recommend Scadoxus? I love mine! It just recently flowered, and now it's putting out these really cool leaves! The leaves are different than Hippeastrum leaves, and a little bit bigger/wider! What I really like about it is the bud to flower process, and watching the bloom open! It looks like a brilliant red fireworks display!

Scadoxus...
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Zephyranthes are also very rewarding bulbs, and small, so they don't take up much room. I have a grouping of about 5 in an 8 inch azalea pot, and they bloomed a couple of time over summer... very delicate and pretty pink!

Pink Zephyranthes...
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I've got 3 Rhodophiala bifida bulbs in a pot, and although the strap/grass like leaves are growing, there's no sign of a bud yet. I'm hoping they'll bloom soon, or at least next year. The photos are very nice!

What else do I have? Hmmm... I've got a couple of species type Hippeastrum, some Lycoris radiata, a Chalice Vine, Hoya, Clivia miniata, a few orchids of different types, somewhere around 60 Hippeastrum hybrids, a spider plant, a Christmas cactus, Ponytail Palm, and a few others.. any one of them are great houseplants, and you can't go wrong trying some of the more exotic South African or South American bulbs... lots to choose from is you're looking for something new!

Let us know what you choose to add to your collection!

Pax and jstropic, I have good news for you and others who are searching for Gervase, John Scheepers and Van Engelen are sold out, but Willow Creek Gardens and Royal Colors still have this variety available.
Regarding Thai Thai, I checked in with Mr. Romijn from Royal Colors again about its availability. Still no news, but he hopes to know within 2 weeks.

Pax, you asked for some info about the varieties that I am searching for which are out of culture. Here are the four hybrids that top my wish list. However, try to stop yourself from falling in love with them, as they are not currently available on the market. If anyone sees them for sale somewhere or wants to make a trade, please let me know.

Sugar Candy is a delicate miniature with creamy-white, slender, trumpet-shaped flowers with rose-pink petal edges. Maria posted some of her always-fabulous photos of this hybrid on 3/28/07.

Striped Panther has a gorgeous trumpet-shaped flower on very tall stalks. If you search the forum, you will find a post by wildebloem from 11/23/07 that has great photos.

Jaguar has an exotic shape and markings. H. papilio is thought to be involved in its parentage. Veronica Read describes this hybrid as having "catlike ox-blood red, vivid orange, cream and lime green flowers." Our southern forum friend, houstonpat, posted a tantalizing photo of Jaguar on 4/22/08.

Residence is a double Cybister. Unfortunately, I cant locate a photo just now. Maybe one of our photographically talented members can provide one.

Jodi, that is great news about your new light assembly. I am really happy for you!!!

Happy bulb hunting to all,

Blanca

Since I started my collecting kind of late last fall, and before that, only had my large Minerva and an Apple Blossom, my collection is still devoid of some of the more commonly grown varieties. When I say commonly grown, I mean the varieties that make up the collection backbones of the more die hard collectors/hybridizers here in the forum!

I don't even have a Lemon Lime or an Elvas! My orders this year will include varieties such as these. I'm also in the market for some of the more difficult to find varieties, some of the types considered heirlooms, and some of the species.

I want to stay away from most of the doubles, and concentrate on collecting those that will become my "breeding program". What I don't need are three Red Lions, a bunch of mislabeled reds and whites, more than one Apple Blossom, and any others that are duplicates. Space is too precious to keep a bunch of bulbs that I won't use for breeding and seed production.

This means that I need to be picky about the seedlings I keep, too. How many is too many of one cross? How many do I really need? It's hard to get rid of plants that you've spent time caring for, but culling isn't easy in any breeding program!

The lights will help expand space, but I'll need most of it to grow on the seedlings from this past growing season, and for any new additions to my collection... not to mention the few orchids I plan to buy at the festival this month.

I'd love to find a couple of the varieties no longer available...

Blanca...Most of the time, commercial growers take out a certain variety from production because they are not making money of it and/or that certain variety have flowering or growing problems.

Now I understand why they did this to Sugar Candy. It is a "sleeping beauty". It loves to sleep. My Sugar Candy rested most of time this past season. After flowering last year as a newly puchased bulb, it leafed out some(4-5 leaves) and then rested. This year it woke up, leafed out some and then rested. I have no idea if I will ever see it's pretty flowers again with this kind of growing habit. If you cannot find a mature bulb, I have 1 small seperated bulblet of it. It shall be yours if you wish.

I am still trying to figure out why they took Striped Panther out of production. This season was my first time to grow this variety which performed so well giving out 3-4 scapes/bulb and grew compact bluish green leaves. Will it perform like Sugar Candy? I hope not. I have a seperated bulblet of this too.

I do not have Jaguar and would like to have one too. Unfortunately, I have only seen 2 pictures of a Jaguar in bloom here in US. One of Pat's and another one also in TX.

Residence is also something new to the collection. I don't know if it is taken out of production. I did ask Paul why it's not offered in RC this season. He hasn't answered me back yet about it. One thing I noticed about Residence though, it's last scape (third) was an unusual tall one...31". Look at how it "standed out" among the crowd still planted in a 6" pot.

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Good luck on your search. I'm just an email away if ever...

Happy bulb shopping to all!

Jodi, congratulations on the new light system! That sure ought to help.

Sure is fun to talk amies again. I am wondering where I can put mine too...and all those seedlings I started last year!Finding spaces for my 100 bulbs was hard enough and now I have ordered another 15 or so of varieties I did not have. I could almost hope I have lost a few over the summer but which would I lose? There were very few I did not love when they were in bloom!

I can report that I am now back to work in my garden and regaining my gardening muscles. SO wonderful to be able to work without knee pain! I have been having Olympian battles with butter cup in most of our front yard flower beds, and am trying to reclaim them. The work is going well and will continue as long as nice weather lasts. Somehow will have to fit in time repotting the amies.

My 3 Red Peacock bulbs bloomed a couple of weeks ago...Now I can correct the labels on them! They were much prettier then the rather wizened flowers I got from them as new bulbs last winter.

I have also been a lurker for a while.Iwill be adding only a limited number this fall and mostly cybisters
I have on order from John Scheepers...
La Paz
Ruby Meyer
and from Willow Creek Gardens....
Emerald
Lima
Chico
A little plug is in order for WCG.Last spring I ordered several varieties.They arrived with 'Santos' having soft spots.One quick email and a replacement was on the way.
Excellent customer service so they stay high on my list of suppliers.
I intend to stop with this five but I know that won't happen

I too have had a great experience with Willow Creek Gardens. I ordered numerous bulbs from them last year and had a problem with 2 of them. I contacted them and they said they'd send replacements. It turned out they were out of 1 of the bulbs so they sent me 6 additional bulbs for free (appleblossom, clown, 2 white X-Mas, dancing queen, and grandeur). I also ordered from another company now called Edens Blooms. So far they have a few Hadeco bulbs listed, but they are supposed to be listing quite a few Cybister hybrids soon, if anyone is interested. I ordered from them last year under a different name (Arizona Rare Bulbs, I believe).

Jodi and Pax, I noticed with the two Amputo bulbs that they took off faster when they were placed in a warm window. Both bulbs bloomed twice for me - but they were slow to start. We will see this year how they do.

Amputo also has a nice scent - I think it is similar to my Appleblossom - although I think the scent of my Appleblossom is/was stronger. I say was because an unnamed person in my family LOL accidently ran over this really special bulb. I saved as much as I could and placed the cut up remains in a bag of wet spahgnum moss which resulted in more but smaller bulbs.

Pax, Neon Rose is sold out already! Wow that was fast! Oh well I really didn't want to order just one bulb.
Lizalilly, I am really glad you are doing well and look forward to your gorgeous arrangements.

Dear Maria,

Your group shot gave me a big burst of positive energy and recharged my day.
Thank you for the good cheer!

What you said about why Sugar Candy was pulled off the market makes perfect sense. If companies guarantee that the bulbs they sell will bloom, reluctant bloomers are simply not profitable.

I am hopeful that, by crossbreeding a shy bloomer or a beautiful, but weak variety with a stronger hybrid or species, the resulting progeny will demonstrate the phenomenon of hybrid vigor whereby it is possible to obtain a genetically superior individual by combining the virtues of its parents.

I am also puzzled about the fate of Striped Panther and Residence, but here is Mr. Romijns message:

"Thank you for your email.

Unfortunately Sugar Candy, Striped Panther, Jaguar and Residence all out of culture."

Yours sincerely,

Paul Romijn
Royal Colors
Please check your email. You have mail!

Check out Park Seed! They have just added some to their online catalog and a few are at really low prices.

Cheers!

Ann

Park Seed does, indeed, have some very good prices, although their selection is rather small... I've noticed that pricing really differs throughout the sellers, with some charging really high prices! It pays to look around!

I've ordered 1 each of Jewel, Charisma, Gervase, Lemon Lime (after so many on the list raved about it), Jade Serpent (again....at the recommendation of the list), Giraffe, and Chico. Replacements coming are Rilona, Exotica, and Blossom Peacock, which were mis-bagged and really were Apple Blossom, Candy Floss?, and Nymph. They should all ship in late October, so plenty of Christmas time blooms here.
Kristi

Is everyone, in the Northern Hemisphere, getting excited about the new season? I hope that we all get big, healthy bulbs that are correctly labelled. I ordered all the new African bulbs from Royal Colors and Parks, and a few of the Royal Colors Dutch Standards, that I hadn't seen before this season. I haven't seen Melusine this year which I've been trying to get for 4 years (each time I get a mislabelled Melusine). I am still looking for Charmeur, and Flaming Peacock, which also were mislabelled last year. Has anyone seen any new cybisters on the market this year?

Hi Everyone,

May you all experience a beautiful new growing season of Amaryllis/Hippeastrum's. I have enjoyed reading shopping lists and sources. What a generous resource offered here. Thank you.

You may be interested. Gurney's is having a sale and Amaryllis 'Zombie' is $5.91.The sale runs through October 1. I received the notice about the sale after signing up for their newsletter.

Warm Regards,
GreenD

Ryan -- I'm so happy to hear that the move isn't affecting you and your wife as bad as I thought it would. =) Best of luck and take care.

Blanca -- I have Striped Panther as well and I too have no idea why it's no longer in production. I love Striped Panther (one of my favorites for it's fragrance) and it puts out many babies.

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My Striped Panther wasn't as vibrant as Wildebloem because I wasn't able to provide the best conditions for it last season because I had sooooo many amaryllises blooming at once but the fragrance is pretty stellar....if I had to describe it, it smells like fresh cut papayas. =)

Maria -- as always, your amaryllises are absolutely gorgeous. Your neighbors are so lucky to be able to see such a display month after month. =) By the way, did your beautiful mandevilla not make it this season? It's not on the fencing this year. =)

Ann - I checked out Park Seeds, thanks for the heads up. There were two varieties I was interested in: Piccolo and Little Angel....but I'm pretty sure shipping costs will be through the roof so I'm trying to hold back on urges. But who knows? I'm sure they'll have more varieties in the coming weeks and I might just splurge. =)

Liza -- It's so nice to hear that you're on both feet again doing what you do best. =) Please let us know how your "bulb moving" goes when you move your in-ground amies into pots. I look forward to the many blooms and bouquets you will have to share with us come winter and spring. =)

Gone2seed -- thanks for the recommendation of Willow Creek Gardens. They do indeed have really great selection and I want several varieties on their website (including Chico) but when I calculated shipping for my area, it added up to the cost of a bulb. Their prices are really awesome though and I might just have to order from them in the coming weeks if I can't find a local source. Thank you and excellent choices and selections you have made. I look forward to your pictures if you are able to take any. =)

RFCFishLady -- Thank you so much for recommending Eden's Blooms. Ya'll -- all of ya'll, I highly recommend that ya'll check out their website. Not only are their prices AWESOME but they also offer FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50!!!! =) I ordered from them the following:

Eden's Blooms:
Green Dragon
Blushing Bride (thank you Maria for sharing your photos. You inspire me to buy lol.)
Bellisimo
Peach Blossom
Bright Spark
Jade Serpent
Jungle Bells

Jody -- Thanks for giving your tips on Amputo. I'm going to order it from John Scheepers hopefully in the next week when I get my list compiled. I can't wait to see Neon Rose! It looks soooooo purrty. I'll be sure to post photos for your viewing when I get it established. I wished you had Striped Panther (I know you were looking for fragrant Amaryllises) because it's scent is much more sweeter and pronounced than Apple Blossom. =)

Kristi -- I'm glad to hear you made it out okay from Ike. I look forward to all your rebloomers and new blooms this winter and hopefully, we can see "Gordie" soon. Way to go with propagating it. Big kudos to you for your efforts and persistence. =)

Palmcoastgarden -- Excited? lol....Excited would have to be a understatement. I'm ecstatic for this coming season and I've bought so many bulbs so far that I cringe when I think about viewing my credit bills for the next two months. I'm trying to hold back on ordering from Royal Colors untill I hear back for sure whether or not they will carry Thai Thai this season. I have my fingers crossed like many others here and hope that Paul is able to stock up on it. In terms of cybisters, I don't think anyone is carrying anything different/new from last season....atleast from the websites I've seen. =)

GreenD - How funny you mention Gurneys lol. I too received that email this morning and placed an order late this afternoon. However, you have to click on the link on the email to receive the "Harvest Moon" special. Otherwise, if you just go to Gurneys.com, you don't see the "adjusted pricings". From Gurneys, I ordered:

Gurney's
Zombie (Cindee....lol, I remember you ordered yours from them last year)
Little Devil
Jungle Bells

The season has only begun! =) Happy Hippeastrums everyone!

Thanks Paxfleur for your message and directions for obtaining the sale price. I really appreciate it.

White Flower Farm has many Amaryllis' for sale. They are on the high end of the price scale. I haven't seen the site mentioned yet and thought people may be interested.

Very Best,
GreenD

Paxfeur writes.....Gone2seed -- Thank you and excellent choices and selections you have made. I look forward to your pictures if you are able to take any.

I am in the beginning stages of this obsession.I assure you,you will see so many pictures you will get sick of them.

From Royal Colours, I have ordered: Santa Cruz, Ambiance, Bright Spark, Matterhorn, Gervase, Naranja, and Amaryllis gift box containing 3 surprise bulbs (I love surprises!).

I have well over 30 bulbs already, and have had little reblooming success. Does that stop me? Noooo! Half the family went outdoors this year, and their leaves grew nice and thick, a couple bulbs shrunk and rotted and sadly had to be tossed (it was a very rainy summer). But most have shown nice bulb development indeed. Some stayed inside, but in a sunny window. All have been fertilized with a bulb fertilizer as an experiment. I have also kept track of which bulbs summered where, to see the results. Fingers crossed! Above all I must have winter blooms, or I'll go mad with gardening withdrawal symptoms!

Wow! Everyone is really getting into the bulb spirit now! Great choices!

I hope to have some re-blooming next spring from the bulbs I already have, but I will need winter flowers so I don't go over the edge, either! The gardening withdrawal symptoms can only be stopped by a huge fix of new bulbs!

This weekend is the Chicagoland Orchid Festival, which I'll be attending... and after I see what's left of the budget, I'll be ordering my bulbs for the winter blooming season!

I don't want to add too many due to space restraints... well, that's not true... I really want them all!! I don't have a choice but to try and restrain myself from buying too many... probably around a half dozen, or so, will be ordered... the choices are getting difficult!

I just ordered from ParkSeeds The shipping is expensive though.
Amaryllis Jungle Bells
Amaryllis Little Angel
Canaliculatus Daffodil
Autumn Crocus 'Waterlilly
Autumn Crocus 'The Giant
The shipping cost is $21 . Sooo expensive.

I also want Amarllyis Harlequin but it is only available from RoyalColors . It is $17.50 and then plus shipping is too expensive. So I am holding off on this. Hopefully will find better price somewhere.
Michele

Last season, I bit the bullet and ordered enough from Royal Colors to make the shipping free... a lot of people will try to get a group order going for companies that charge big shipping... that way, everyone gets the bulbs they want, and there's only one shipping charge! It might pay to ask around...

I've only ordered a few bulbs this year, and they are from.

Park Seeds - 'Jungle Bells' and another 'Zombie' cause it has to be my favorite double, so one just will not do.

John Scheepers - 'Gervase'

White Flower Farms - 'Bogota' and 'Sweet Lillian'

Does anyone know if the 'Fantasy' hybrid from WFF is the same as 'Gervase'? Just wondering cause they look the same to me. Well anyway great choices everyone. Prime

Prime, I don't know if Fantasy is the same, but it is similar and quite unique and nice with its broken colors.

Wayside Gardens is now offering more varieties. I noticed that Harlequin is included.

Have FUN!

I have to agree with some of the recent posts--in recent years, shipping and handling costs from mail-order plant sources have gotten rediculous. It wasn't that long ago that some catalogs offered flat-rate shipping as low as three or four bucks, but it's nearly impossible now to find s&h for under eight bucks....

As for a specific example, I recently found a copy of the Fall 2008 issue of the vanBourgondien catalog, and found an entire page of Amaryllises. I fell absolutely head-over-heels in love with the varieties "Double Dragon" and "Black Pearl." I immediately flipped through the rest of the catalog to find the order form, and was knocked back by the $8.95 that's charged for orders under $20. The bulb I want the most, Double Dragon, is $18.99, so it'd cost me $27.94, which is way outside of my current budget. The catalog also offers "$25 worth of product free!" with an order of over $50, but that discount is applied after s&h charges have been added, so the s&h would be $12.95, and $37.95 is well out of my price range.

Oh, well. Better luck next year....

Can anyone recommend catalogs that actually have affordable shipping costs?

I just received a UPS shipment notification. My Van Engelen order is coming soon. Yayyyyyy!!!

I can't even remember what I ordered...lol! It has been a few months ago since I ordered. I'm pretty sure they are the SA bulbs. Trentino(s) and Lemon Sorbet(s) would be some of them.

John Scheepers and Van Engelen still has the most decent shipping fees. A lot of bulb companies are charging fuel surcharge fees besides their shipping and handling fees this season. Ridiculous!!! I have been shipping some stuff lately and the REAL mailing costs (USPS)have not really gone up that much!!! It would also be nice if they would give us a choice of how we want our goods shipped. Wether using USPS,UPS,Fedex, regular mail, priority or express. With the ongoing economy crunch, they should rethink on their prices if they want to have some business or have rotten unsold bulbs.

Gone2seed -- We never get tired of pictures here. =) Especially for the people in zones 7 and down. The pictures give us hope that spring will come soon. I look forward to all your photos. =)

Anna -- Oooh, you got the giftbox set this year too? I remember one of your "surprises" was the red stemmed something lol. I look forward to your pictures if you are able to take any. =) Excellent selection by the way; I'm getting Ambiance and Gervase too. =)

Jodi -- Let us know how to orchid festival was. I would love to hear about what goodies you picked up. =) I used to grow orchids when I lived in the tropics and miss all the beautiful exotic flowers and greenery that grew all around us when I was a child. =)

MyManga -- I was going to order from Parks too but stopped when I saw the shipping prices. The shipping prices that some of these companies are charging are absurd which is why I show patronage to companies that offer deals on shipping (ie: Royal Colors, John Scheepers). I ordered Jungle Bells too and can't wait to see it in bloom. Great choices! =)

Primeribs -- I ordered Zombie and Jungle Bells too, though I did not order from Parks. You were one of the lucky ones to purchase Gervase before it got sold out. Boy did that variety sell out quick! I'm probably going to order Gervase either from Royal Colors or Willow Creek Gardens. =) "Fantasy" featured at White Flower Farms looks almost identical to "Gervase" on Royal Colors. On Royal Colors, their "Gervase" has the same "tie-dye" markings so I wonder if they are the same variety but from different suppliers? Either way though, I prefer the name Gervase. It sounds more classy. =)

Elizabeth -- I was look at Wayside Gardens too as I am on their email list as well. I did the whole "shopping cart" thing and picked a few varieties that might be interesting just to see how much shipping would be and it came out to $15+ for two bulbs. I had to pass but thank you so much for sharing. =)

Oklahoma_Tim -- I hear your cry on shipping prices. There are a number of companies I would've ordered from if only their shipping prices were more reasonable. I've ordered from quite a few number of companies that charge $$ to ship their bulbs and the bulbs aren't packed in gold foilings or metal boxes. Hopefully these companies realize that the economy isn't at its best right now and they create more incentives for customers to order from them. =)

Maria -- Let us know how the VE bulbs are this year when you receive them. Last year I had a few problems bulbs with molding/scars but they bloomed beautifully. Did you order Gervase as well? I ordered Trentino and Lemon Sorbet as well but missed out on Gervase. Hopefully you ordered it so you can share photos of it. Otherwise, I know for sure Liza bought three so we'll definitely see unadulterated pictures from her. =) By the way, did you read the email I sent you? The ordering for us ends this Friday so you need to join and get in soon if you want to order something! =)

Hi Pax! I surely will share pics...you know how I am. Yes, I did get your email and will get into it soon. I have been busy lately. Thanks for reminding me and I'll jot that deadline in my calendar.

With regards to Gervase, I will get my Gervase from Royal Colors. If there is a new variety released, I always get it from RC if they have it to avoid disappointments if ever. Royal Color's bulb quality/size/performance and excellent customer service outweighs the price difference. And with their free shipping for orders above $56, their bulbs end up costing almost the same as the ones sold here.
Commercial growers sell their hippie bulbs according to size. Smaller/less mature bulbs are cheaper. Bigger/mature bulbs are more expensive. Royal Colors always gets the biggest size available to ensure that we would be happy with our hippies.

I'm pretty sure that Gervase will be shipped out later than the SA bulbs for it is a Dutch grown one. The Dutch bulbs are still in cold storage right now.

Happy Hippie shopping to all!

Hi Pax,

No word on Thai Thai yet. I don't want to pester Mr. Romijn again just yet. I have no doubt that he will let us know.

Please keep positive thoughts.

Best,

Blanca

Hi Blanca!

I guess I forgot to post this here. No Thai Thai this season girlfriend. This is confirmed by Mr. CB (Hadeco). He said hopefully next year because it is still until production. They sure are preparing for this huge demand for Thai Thai. Paul (RC) has also confirmed that there are no Thai Thai bulbs that came in from his SA shipment.

Something to look forward to next season...again. :-(

Thank you for the update, Maria.

The news is sad for the present season, but we can look ahead to the future.

I have been holding out and hanging on to a stash of cash, but now I can finally give in and buy some new bulbs.

We arrived back home earlier this evening... what a ride... I'm still trying to unfold my poor body from the trip back!

It was a wonderful trip... a weekend that turned into a week long vacation due to car trouble! The car is fixed now, and we did get to spend more time with the kids and grandkids, so I'm happy!

And I'm thrilled to report that I picked up almost every orchid that I wanted to get! I brought home just about a dozen plants, and only spent about $60 bucks! True, many are young plants... but several are near blooming size, and a few have spikes or sheaths... and one is a phal in full bloom! I should have the pictures off the camera by tomorrow, and have them uploaded for posting.

Unfortunately, I had to spend the remaining orchid money on a new alternator for the car, but these things happen... only to me, mind you... but they do happen! LOL! Looks like I'll be starting a new bulb fund...

Well, in addition to the rather large order from Royal Colors, as posted above, I have also ordered the following:
1 Amaryllis Double Sonata ALFRESCO 14.95
3 Amaryllis Sonatini TRENTINO 18.00
3 Amaryllis Sonatini JADE SERPENT 18.00
I stumbled across a Canadian site: Garden Import and I was thrilled to see they had hipps for sale, as being in Canada I am really limited where I can order from. I asked about the 3-pack business and they responded something about the bulbs being small and 3 making a better display - I am guessing they are miniature types. I hope I wasn't duped. Oh well - we shall see. Anyone else ordered from them?

Three bulbs planted together will always make a nicer display, but I think it comes down to how much you want to spend... I hate it when the smallest amount you can buy is 3 bulbs... I normally only want 1 of each variety. Call me cheap! LOL!

Trentino and Jade Serpent are smaller bulbs, being Hadeco Sonatinis. Three bulbs planted together will make a lovely bouquet in the pot! And in all honesty, the prices are rather decent for that amount... I think you'll enjoy your 3 bulb pots!

I'm not ordering any bulbs from catalogs until I see what the local garden center is offering this season... I haven't had a chance to see if their bulbs have come in yet... I think it's actually a bit early yet.

Since we had to spend unexpected money on the car, my bulb fund is down a bit... I should be able to put together enough to get the half a dozen, or so, bulbs I want for this season.

Hello everyone -- so....amaryllis season is at its peak now and I've been hearing about many of you all receiving your bulbs in the mail. Please post and share the condition of your bulbs and share your raves and disappointments with the forum community. =) New comers -- please feel free to share what you've ordered.

Since the last time I posted, I have ordered quite a bit:

John Scheepers
Alfresco
Amputo
Amalfi
Exotica
Exotic Star
Papilio Improved (again....because the one I purchased last season was a no-bloom)
Misty
Ruby Meyers
Snow White
Rozetta

Gurneys
Little Devil
Zombie
Jungle Bells

Edens Blooms/RareBulbs
Bellisimo
Blushing Bride
Bright Spark
Evergreen
Green Dragon
Peach Blossom
Lemon Sorbet
Jade Serpent

Privately
Amsterdam
Charisma
Cherry Nymph
Full House
Moonlight
Neon Rose
Paris
Pasadena
Pink Diamond
Pink Nymph
Splash
Sweet Lillian

If you're thinking I'm crazy...I'm thinking the same as well. I have no idea how I'm going to fit all these bulbs in my home (I don't have a greenhouse) and I've spent several hundreds of $$$ on just the bulbs (I'm going to also have to purchase potting soil/claypots).

You know what the most saddest thing is? I sorta lied to myself ordering all these bulbs saying I would give most of them away as Christmas gifts. However, going down the list, all of the varieties are not in my collection yet so it would make no sense to give them away as gifts. I think the most atrocious thing of all is, I still want to buy more bulbs. I would love to order Ambiance from Royal Colors and would be happy to have Popov in my collection. With that said, I haven't even taken a look at whats available locally and I know I'll buy certain varieties if I don't have them. I know, I know....I think I'm addicted. Yet, I try to make myself feel better by telling myself that this addiction is better than being addicted to drugs or alcohol and plus, I only splurge at this advanced pace only once a year (amaryllis season).

I'm sure many of you all in the U.S. are feeling it, but the economy is a mess. At times like this, people are encouraged to spend less, and save. I feel bad about pampering myself with all these bulbs. But yet again, I try to reason with my inner me by telling myself that if I don't spend, I'm making the economy worse off by not putting money into our financial system, therefore not giving businesses revenue, making people lose jobs due to lack of sales/profits. Excuses, excuses, excuses.....I know.

How I am going to explain all these new pots and bulbs to my friends and family who visit, I do not know and cannot tell. But, I find peace within myself thinking of the plethora of shapes and colors I will have before me during the cold winter months here in Virginia. Thank you all for listening (this has been really getting at my conscience) and I appreciate your support. I will be sure to share tons and tons of photos for all of your amaryllis lovers throughout the world. Have a great weekend everyone! =)

Hi Pax,

Here are 10 reasons why you should unburden yourself of bulb guilt.

I have no doubt that there are many other important reasons.

Please add to the list and help to assuage Paxs guilt.

1. The foliage that our bulbs grow produces negative ions that reduce the amount of dust in the air that we breathe inside our homes.

2. Our bulbs will continue to flower for many years if we care for them properly.

3. Being surrounded by beauty is positive boost for our immune systems.

4. Our bulbs are definitely a gift that keeps on giving because we can share offsets and seeds with our friends, family, and neighbors.

5. We help to save endangered Hippeastrum species by growing them.

6. In a similar way as having pets to care for, growing and nurturing plants can increase our lifespan.

7. The hybridizers among us (e.g., Sir Hans, Maria, Arif, Houston Pat, and Lora) have brought new and unique beauty into the word. One day, they may create a Hippeastrum with blue, purple, or truly yellow flowers, a miniature jewel, or even a spotted trumpet with a wonderful fragrance.

8. We need to purchase bulbs in order to diversify the gene pool in our small-scale breeding programs and create new hybrids.

9. Bright colors affect our moods and emotions and can help to diminish the winter blues.

10. Plants help to reduce harmful chemicals that may off-gas from building materials.

Hi everybody, I have purchase from Gurney's a week ago the only three varieties they have, that is
Zombie
Little Devil
Jungle Bells
I get a pretty decent price of $5.50 each plus s&h around 7 dollars, now I received a mail they are now "$4 dollars each". So for around $19 dollars, total, you have these three beauties.
May be if you don't received the mail you cannot access the offer so here's the Offer Keycode: 508464 it expires on October 23.

Mariae.

Pax - Let me add a few reasons to Blanca's list, of why you shouldn't feel guilty for your bulb purchases:

11. You're helping the economy by circulating money.

12. Growing plants indoors during winter helps ease winter depression.

13. If you're guilty, then I'm guilty... and I refuse to feel that way about something that makes me so happy!

14. There's no shame in being addicted to plants... they aren't harmful!

15. Growing plants helps the environment.

16. Sharing the photos of your blooms with us makes us feel happy, and that's a good thing!

17. Working with our bulbs and caring for them all helps keep us healthy and young at heart!

18. Plants help our blood pressure and stress levels remain low.

19. Bulbs are not illegal, therefore it's not a real addiction! (Keep telling yourself this!)

20. Repeat reasons 1-19! In reality, there is no cure for Hippi Addiction!

I'm sure if I though hard enough, I could find more good reasons to keep collecting bulbs! If we must be addicted, this is probably the best thing to cave in to! I bought over 50 bulbs last winter, and I survived... you'll be fine, Pax!

Your list of bulbs is fantastic! Very nice choices! You'll be happy with them, I know!

You could either plant them all and enjoy them as they bloom, or you could stagger planting and enjoy them slowly over winter... and just think of the seeds you could produce through pollinating! The crosses are endless!

I say: great job, Pax! Welcome to the Hippeastrum Addicts Club! LOL!

I just received and potted Lemon Star, Papilio, and Mrs. Garfield... and I have Evergreen on order! I'm thrilled!

Pax - and I thought I was going overboard with my (what seems like now) modest purchases! I am constrained in my fever for hipps by living in Canada: I order from Royal Colours (my main source) and also buy them locally, but the choices are not great. Recently, I accidentally came across a Canadian website with really nice choices - now THAT was a good day, and yes I ordered more, and yes, I too feel guilty - your letter could have been written by me. But all the reasons for not feeling guilty are super, and very valid. The only thing I would add, is that discovering an emerging scape is one of the most exciting things I have ever seen - indeed a tiny miracle (especially for me, as I have not had much rebloom success). What a joyful vision for this winter/spring: all our homes, all around the world abloom with colorful majestic flowers. (I get all giddy from the anticipation!)

Oh, and by the way, that lovely long list PAX gave, made me feel quite inadequate and bereft, so I headed over to Botanus.com and bought 2 more bulbs, Candy Floss and Gilmar. It's all your fault PAX - how's that for guilt ;)

I reread Pax's list, and I feel quite behind in bulb purchasing! There are still a few I'd like to have... I'd like to obtain Fairy Tale, Clown, Popov, San Remo, Ruby Meyer, Hercules, and Papilio Improved, and I'm sure there are more I could easily say "yes" to!

And the wonderfully eery thing is... my husband, Larry, would tell me to go ahead and order what I wanted... he's become my number one enabler! And then, with his second breath, he'd ask me if I knew how much I'd already spent, just on bulbs! And just because I don't want to hear the total, I'd say yes, I already know how much I spent on bulbs! Please don't remind me!

Not to justify it, or anything, but we only do this once a year... and there are so many good reasons for collecting hippeastrum bulbs... I could add to the above list of reasons why we should keep collecting, and not feel a bit of guilt! I love every single bulb I have, and it makes me feel good to care for them all, whether they rebloom or not. Bulbs are fascinating plants, each a self-contained unit powered by the sun, and a bit of care from us.

There is no other feeling that can match seeing that spike tip begin to emerge from one of our bulbs... as Anna says, it's a giddy sort of excitement! What is so bad about wanting to experience that many times each bulb season?!

I suppose it IS rather like an addiction... we're chasing that high that only comes from seeing our bulbs reward us with blooms!

Locally:
Blushing Bride
Elvas
Gold Medal
Jewel
Lemon Lime
Moonlight
Nagano
Picotee
Picotee Red Lining
San Remo
Scarlet Baby
Sydney
White Christmas Jumbo

John Scheepers:
Gervase
Lemon Sorbet
Zombie

Cindee:
Flamingo Star
Pink Diamond
Star of Holland

Beautiful Gardens USA (ebay):
* I will never buy from this company again!
Estrella

Edensblooms:
Bellissimo
Bright Spark
Evergreen
Green Dragon
Jungle Bells
Reggae
Rose
Tango
Trentino

National Gardening Association:
Chianti
Salmon Pearl

White Flower Farm:
Antarctica
Bogota
Double Fireworks
Exotic Peacock
Fantasy
Magic Green
Monaco
Naranja
Pink Rain
Popov
Reve
Rosado
Sunrise

Flora Cafe (ebay):
Puniceum

Good friend (I don't know if I can post the name):
Amico
Amsterdam
Cherry Nymph
Full House
Little Angel
Little Devil
Neon Rose
Novella

And I have still not finished draining my pocket.

Locally:
Blushing Bride
Elvas
Gold Medal
Jewel
Lemon Lime
Moonlight
Nagano
Picotee
Picotee Red Lining
San Remo
Scarlet Baby
Sydney
White Christmas Jumbo
John Scheepers:
Gervase
Lemon Sorbet
Zombie

Cindee:
Flamingo Star
Pink Diamond
Stargazer
Romance

Beautiful Gardens USA (ebay):
* I will never buy from this company again!
Estrella

Edensblooms:
Bellissimo
Bright Spark
Evergreen
Green Dragon
Jungle Bells
Reggae
Rose
Tango
Trentino

National Gardening Association:
Chianti
Salmon Pearl

White Flower Farm:
Antarctica
Bogota
Double Fireworks
Exotic Peacock
Fantasy
Magic Green
Monaco
Naranja
Pink Rain
Popov
Reve
Rosado
Sunrise

Flora Cafe (ebay):
Puniceum

Good friend (I don't know if I can post the name):
Amico
Amsterdam
Cherry Nymph
Full House
Little Angel
Little Devil
Neon Rose
Novella

And I have still not finished draining my pocket.

Welcome back Soultan! =) Maria must be the "good friend" that helped you with the last list -- I recognize Neon Rose, Full House. Cherry Nymph, Amsterdam, Little Devil, and Novella (I purchased those as well, with the exception of Novella). Soultan, do you want to do a group purchase for Estella or Gold Medal? Or Milady? I want to get Estella, Milady, and Gold Medal but I don't need three of each...eek! :)

Here's my updated list:

John Scheepers
Alfresco
Amputo
Amalfi
Emerald
Exotica
Exotic Star
Gervase
Honeymoon
Lemon Sorbet
Papilio Improved
Misty
Ruby Meyers
Snow White
Rozetta

Gurneys
Little Devil
Zombie
Jungle Bells

Edens Blooms
Bellisimo - Edens Blooms did not receive
Blushing Bride
Bright Spark
Cybister 'Rose'
Cybister 'Night Star'
Evergreen
Grandeur
Green Dragon
Papilio - Again, to compare differences between J.S and E.B.
Peach Blossom
Jade Serpent

Privately
Amsterdam
Charisma
Cherry Nymph
Full House
Moonlight
Neon Rose
Paris
Pasadena
Splash
Sweet Lillian

Locally
Pink Diamond