Perennials

Homestead Gardens grows tremendous variety of perennials ranging in size from starter perennials to full landscape-ready plants. We carry the latest in new plant introductions with innovative and exciting material arriving every day. Whether your garden is "made in the shade" or "fun in the sun," we have the Homestead Grown perennials to fit your needs. Plus being in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, we have one of the finest selection of native plants in the area. Whether your gardening area is full sun, lots of shade, or a mixture of both, we have a selection of perennials to fit your needs. Come in and chat with any of our friendly, knowledgeable staff and leave with renewed confidence and excitement - you'll be ready to go home and start digging!

Amaryllis

Amaryllis and Paperwhites are among the most popular bulbs that are forced for the holidays. Amaryllis are nearly as easy as Paperwhites because they do not require a cold treatment. Unlike Paperwhites, Amaryllis can be made to rebloom following proper procedures. Amaryllis are generally sold in kits or as loose bulbs. The larger the bulb the more flower shoots it will produce. They come in a variety of flower forms; large and small single blooms, large and small double blooms, and even some with spider-like petals. There is also a wide variety of color combinations to choose from.

Potting
Any style pot can be used to grow Amaryllis. The important factor is to leave at least several inches of space below the bulbs for the roots to grow. The more space given to the root systems the better. Also allow for at least one inch of space beyond the sides of the bulb. Fill the pot with soil and place the bulbs on top. Fill in the remaing space with soil, gravel, or another decorative material (sand, glass marbles,…) leaving 1/3 of the bulb exposed. Water well afterwards. Amaryllis can also be grown in special vases designed to suspend the bulb. The vase can be filled with glass marbles or stone, or it can be left empty. Fill the vase with enough water just to touch the base of the bulb and no more. If water begins to surround the bulb, rot issues may develop.

Blooming
Grow Amaryllis containers in a bright, sunny location. Flowers should appear within 6 to 10 weeks depending on the variety. Ensure that they are watered well while they are growing. After the blooms have faded, remove the flower stems and continue growing indoors until the spring. Amaryllis can be grown outdoors during the spring after danger of cold temperatures has past.

Reblooming
Amaryllis need to go dormant to rebloom and this occurs by drying the bulb completely. To have the Amaryllis blooming during the holidays, begin drying the bulb in July. Once the leaves have turned yellow and are faded, remove the bulb from the container. Prune the leaves and the roots then store the bulb in a cool dry place for 10 to 12 weeks. Then simply repot the bulb and initiate its growth by giving it water and sunlight.

Paperwhites

Forcing
These delightful bulbs deliver looks as well as fragrance. They are related to the more common daffodils but have much smaller flowers and a different fragrance. With an abundance of small flowers on each stalk they make a bold statement when several bulbs are used in a single pot. Paperwhites are typically white but yellow flower varieties do exist. There are even those with very little fragrance. Because they require no cold treatment they are very quick and easy to grow.

Potting
Any style pot can be used to grow Paperwhites. The important factor is to leave at least one inch of space below the bulbs for the roots to grow. The more space given to the root systems the better. Fill the pot with soil and place the bulbs on top. Fill in the remaining space with soil, gravel, or another decorative material (sand, glass marbles,…) leaving 1/3 of the bulb exposed. Water well afterwards. Paperwhites can also be grown in special vases designed to suspend the bulb. The vase can be filled with glass marbles or stone, or it can be left empty. Fill the vase with enough water just to touch the base of the bulb and no more. If water begins to surround the bulb, rot issues may develop.

Blooming
Grow Paperwhites containers in a bright, sunny location. Flowers should appear within 3 to 6 weeks depending on the variety. Very warm temperatures may cause the leaves to stretch and flop. Should this happen, simply tie a decorative ribbon around the leaves for support.

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