flowering bulbs

Question

Is there a life span for flowering bulbs like the amaryllis or paperwhites? They seemed to flower the first year and then just long leaves. The friend that gave them to me said they must be done to throw them out. Do I just keep cutting the long green leaves or let them go if I keep them? Can they be planted outdoors? Thank you.

Answer 1

This article should help with the amaryllis: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/amaryllis-hippeastrum/amaryllis-bloom-again.htm

You can plant outdoors in the summer, but it would need to be brought it every fall, as amaryllis cannot survive the cold. That being said, amaryllis bloom best when crowded, so if you plant it out in the garden, the blooms will never be as nice as when you grow it in a pot.

As for the paperwhites, leave them in the pot for now and do not trim the green leaves. They need them to build up energy for next year’s blossoms. When it is warmer, you can plant them outside, but in order for them to rebloom, they must get 6+ weeks of temps below 45 F. If they will not get that outside, you will need to dig them up each year and store them in places where they will get that, like a fridge.