Amaryllis 'Elvas' ~ Summer Sensation

When is 'Elvas' not a sensation?  The answer would be NEVER but why the crazy bulb produced a bloom stalk in August is beyond me.  I "need" my Amaryllis to bloom in winter ~ that's how I make it thru those dark, dreary days.  Don't they know that?!!! However, I have to say, she seems happier blooming in the garden than she ever was indoors (remember the trouble I had last winter ~ buds withering on the stalk before opening).  None of that perplexing behavior is going on outside.  There are five perfectly healthy looking buds:

and man, oh man, she is going to be even more breath-taking in numbers.

I don't know what caused the early display but I'm certainly not going to protest such loveliness.

I briefly considered moving her inside but after what happened last winter, I decided against it.  Why mess with success?  So she'll stay right where she is, which is here, in the "Amaryllis Summer Home" with the rest of my collection:

In this spot, located behind the pink shrub roses and the verbena bonariensis, they receive filtered morning sunlight (which seems to be the perfect formula):

Can't even see them from this angle, can you?  It's a beautiful set up, that's for sure.

Right before frost, they will be re-potted in new potting soil, have their leaves cut off and brought indoors for a dormancy period (in a dark location).  Well, that's my usual routine, when they are behaving "normally."  This year, who knows?  Because you know what's even crazier?  When 'Elvas' is finished, 'Apple Blossom' will take over ~ she's has a bloom stalk now too.

What on earth is going on???

Comments

[RainGardener]

Gee you're just going to get to enjoy yours all year aren't you? That Amaryllis is just gorgeous!!! Bob has taken over the care of the one I got. Good cause I'd probably kill it. He does all the indoor plants now - same reason cause I wasn't doin' so hot. My bad! I do better with the outdoor plants - and we're not so sure that's a great success either. Trial and ERROR! LOL Someday we'll find something I'm good at. hehehe or we can hope anyway.
Love your collection. I like the next picture too - how pretty.

[Shady Gardener]

Oh, Kathleen! I cannot believe Elvis is blooming now!! You are definitely in the top green-thumb category! :-)

Btw: Don't forget to head to "my place" Sept. 1 to read the post in honor of Grandparent's day!

[Racquel]

Lucky you to have Amaryllis blooming in August! :)

[Ginny]

Elvas is a real beauty! I grow my amaryllis outside, in the ground. Never had luck with those indoor Christmas blooms as much as I would love them.