Question: I’d like to plant amaryllis, but I’m afraid of the ones I see at the nursery. They seem more like pot plants to grow inside the house.

Answer: Good observation. The hardy types of amaryllis have more trumpet-shaped flowers, while the tropical types that are sold around Christmas and into the New Year have wider petals that recurve back over the flowers. The most common type of hardy amaryllis is cherry red, although a pink-and-white candystripe type is sometimes seen in South Texas. You may have trouble finding the hardy types in Texas nurseries, but you can usually find a neighbor who will share with you.