5 Ways to Display Wax Amaryllis Bulbs This Christmas
By Vitaliy Tonenchuk, Dutch Bulbs B.V. Updated 2 November 2026.
Smooth, coloured bulbs sitting on a shelf or mantelpiece, quietly sprouting into tall-stemmed blooms without a pot or a drop of water: wax amaryllis bulbs are everywhere this Christmas, and they are more versatile as decoration than they first look. Here are five ways to use them, and when to order so they flower on time.
Quick answer: Wax amaryllis bulbs display best grouped in threes on a table, lined along a mantelpiece away from the fire, or placed in a bright east or west-facing window. No vase, pot or water is needed. Place the bulb about six weeks before you want flowers, and keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
Five ways to display wax amaryllis
| Idea | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Table centrepiece: three bulbs in different colours and stages | Dining or coffee tables | Candle flames and radiators |
| 2. Mantelpiece row: evenly spaced, stems rising at different rates | Fireplaces and long shelves | Heat from the fire speeds up blooming; keep about a metre back |
| 3. Tray or shallow bowl with dried orange, cinnamon or baubles | Sideboards and gifts | Keep the setting dry; never water |
| 4. Bright window, against a pale wall | Any bright room | Strong midday sun rushes flowering; turn the bulb every few days |
| 5. Gift box: bulb on tissue paper with one line of instructions | Presents and hampers | Keep bulbs upright and dry in transit |
Two details make every display work. University of Wisconsin Extension Master Gardeners note that warmth speeds amaryllis flowering and cool slows it, so a bulb by the fire blooms fast and fades fast. And Ideal Home’s gardens editor reminds readers that amaryllis is toxic to cats and dogs: place bulbs where pets cannot reach them.
When should you order for Christmas blooms?
| You want flowers | Place the bulb by |
|---|---|
| On Christmas Day | About 13 November |
| Through December | Two bulbs, placed a week or two apart, from early November |
| In January, as a gift opened at Christmas | Any time: it flowers three to six weeks after it is placed |
A wax amaryllis takes three to six weeks to flower and the blooms last about two to three weeks. Cooler rooms slow it, warmer rooms speed it. Allow a few days for delivery on top.
Glitter Red Wax Amaryllis – 2 bulbs · €33.71
The classic Christmas colour. Two bulbs per pack, so you can stagger them for flowers through December, or keep one and give one.
Shop Glitter Red → See all colours
We ship within the EU.
Frequently asked questions
Do wax amaryllis bulbs need water?
No. The wax seals in the moisture the bulb needs. Watering can crack the wax or rot the bulb.
How long do wax amaryllis bulbs last?
Three to six weeks to the first flowers, which then last about two to three weeks.
What if mine is slow?
Usually it is too cool or too dark. See wax amaryllis not growing.
Can I reuse the bulb afterwards?
Sometimes. See what to do with waxed amaryllis after it blooms.🎄 All amaryllis →
