Finding a red and white amaryllis that actually delivers the bicolored trumpet blooms you see on the packaging—rather than a single shade or a dud bulb—is the real challenge. Between waxed no-fuss bulbs and traditional soil-grown varieties, the difference in bloom reliability and color accuracy can be night and day.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I analyze grower data, compare bulb sizes and wax-coating techniques, and track aggregated owner reports to pinpoint which red and white amaryllis bulbs consistently produce their promised color patterns.
Below, you’ll find five carefully selected red and white amaryllis options. Whether you want a self-contained waxed gift or a large traditional bulb for maximum bloom impact, this guide focuses on bloom color, stem strength, and bulb condition. Read on to find the best red and white amaryllis for your holiday decor or gift-giving needs.
How To Choose The Best Red And White Amaryllis
A red and white amaryllis should display clear color separation or a striking pattern, not a muddy blend. The two determining factors are bulb genetics and whether the bulb has been waxed or planted in soil. Waxed bulbs trade long-term rebloom potential for sheer convenience, while traditional bulbs give you control over watering and future growth cycles.
Bulb Size and Stem Count
Larger bulbs, measured by circumference in centimeters (e.g., 28/30 cm or 32/34 cm), produce more flower stems and larger individual blooms. A 28/30 cm bulb typically yields 2 stems, while a 32/34 cm bulb can push 3 stems. Smaller bulbs may only produce one stem with fewer florets.
Waxed vs. Traditional Bulbs
Waxed amaryllis bulbs are sealed in a wax coating that contains the moisture and nutrients needed for one bloom cycle—no soil or watering required. They are great for gifts or low-maintenance decor. Traditional bulbs must be planted in well-draining soil with regular watering, but they can be stored and rebloomed the following year if properly cared for after flowering.
Color Pattern Reliability
True red and white amaryllis varieties include ‘Apple Blossom’ (white with pinkish-red edges) and ‘Picasso’ (white with red splatter). Some waxed bulbs described as “red and white” may bloom solid red or solid white if the packaging is generic. Always check customer photos in reviews to confirm the specific color pattern before purchasing.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picasso Waxed Amaryllis | Waxed | Premium bicolor decor | Bulb size 32/34 cm | Amazon |
| Apple Blossom Huge Bulb | Traditional | Tall, soil-grown blooms | Bulb size 28-36 cm | Amazon |
| Snow Flecked Waxed Amaryllis | Waxed | Holiday gift with red blooms | 16-inch plant height | Amazon |
| Waxed Amaryllis (Red Wax) | Waxed | Budget-friendly white blooms | 16-inch plant height | Amazon |
| Red Waxed Collection (3-Pack) | Waxed | Multi-gift or bulk decor | 3 bulbs, 28/30 cm each | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Picasso Waxed Amaryllis Bulb White Wax with Pink and Red Splatter Size 32/34
The Picasso Waxed Amaryllis stands out with its premium 32/34 cm bulb size—the largest in this lineup—which directly translates to more stems and bigger blooms. Its white wax shell with pink and red splatter is a visual guarantee of the bicolor pattern you can expect, and customer photos confirm the creamy white petals with pinkish-red edges. This is a true no-water, no-soil bulb that simply needs a sunny indoor spot to begin its 4-to-8-week bloom cycle.
Owner feedback consistently praises the bloom quality: strong stems, fully open flowers, and in many cases a second shoot after the first stems die back. The wax coating acts as a self-contained moisture reservoir, so even if you forget it exists for a week, the bulb continues developing. A small number of buyers reported one stem with quicker fading, but the majority saw exceptional blossoms across multiple stems.
Given the generous bulb circumference and the reliable color pattern, this is the most dependable choice for anyone who wants a showy red-and-white display without any daily care. It also makes an elegant gift that arrives ready to grow in its own decorative shell.
What works
- Large 32/34 cm bulb produces more stems and larger flowers
- Clear red-and-white splatter pattern confirmed in customer photos
- Zero maintenance—no watering, no soil needed
What doesn’t
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures during shipping (wax can melt or bulb can freeze)
- Higher price point than entry-level waxed bulbs
2. Amaryllis Apple Blossom Huge Bulb 28-36cm
The ‘Apple Blossom’ variety is a classic bicolor amaryllis known for white petals with soft pink edges and a pale green throat. This bulb from Daylily Nursery is graded at 28-36 cm—a legitimately large specimen that, as multiple growers reported, can produce flower stalks nearly three feet tall. It is a traditional bulb, meaning you plant it in soil with moderate watering, but the payoff is dramatic height and the ability to rebloom the bulb next season.
Growers who planted this bulb in a sunny indoor spot saw 5 blossoms or more per stalk, with a blooming period starting around 6-8 weeks after planting. A few customers noted that bulbs shipped during cold months arrived frozen or undersized compared to the “huge” description, though replacements were offered in some cases. Ordering early—before winter shipping peaks—appears to improve bulb condition significantly.
For gardeners who enjoy the hands-on process of potting, watering, and watching a stalk emerge, this bulb delivers height and color that waxed varieties cannot match. The ‘Apple Blossom’ pattern is one of the most reliably bicolored amaryllis strains available, making it a safe bet for that specific red-and-white (pink-and-white) look.
What works
- Large bulb (28-36 cm) can produce stalks up to 3 feet tall
- Classic bicolor pattern with soft pink edges on white petals
- Can be saved and rebloomed the following year
What doesn’t
- Requires soil, potting, and regular moderate watering
- Some bulbs shipped in cold weather arrived frozen or damaged
3. Snow Flecked Waxed Amaryllis Bulb – Silver Wax with Red Blooms
The Snow Flecked Waxed Amaryllis from The Three Company features a silver wax shell with white speckles, resembling a frosted winter ornament. Inside, the bulb produces vivid red trumpet-shaped blooms—a solid red, not a bicolor. If you specifically want red and white on the same petal, this is not that variety; but if you want a red flower emerging from a decorative silver-and-white wax base, it fits the holiday color scheme perfectly.
Buyers appreciated the no-maintenance nature: just place it in a well-lit area and watch it grow. Multiple reviews described fast growth and a fun daily show as the stem rises. A small portion of customers received bulbs with cracked wax or mushy spots, indicating possible mishandling during shipping. The company recommends avoiding extreme temperatures, which is a common concern with waxed bulbs.
This is a solid mid-range option for those who prioritize easy gifting and decorative wax over maximum bloom size or color variety. The silver flecked wax makes it a unique tabletop piece that looks good even before the flower opens.
What works
- Attractive silver wax with white speckles fits winter/holiday decor
- Fast growth with no soil or water required
- Great for seniors or anyone unable to care for traditional plants
What doesn’t
- Produces solid red blooms, not a red-and-white bicolor pattern
- Some units arrived with cracked wax or mushy bulbs
4. Waxed Amaryllis Bulb – Red Wax, White Blooms
This entry-level waxed amaryllis from The Three Company pairs bright red wax with white trumpet blooms, creating a contrast that works for holiday table settings. The red wax shell itself serves as a decorative element, and the white flowers stand out sharply against it. The expected plant height is around 16 inches—shorter than traditional soil-grown varieties but perfectly proportional for a desktop display.
Customer feedback is mixed. Several verified purchasers reported bulbs that failed to bloom or produced only small shoots, while others enjoyed a beautiful bloom cycle every 6-8 weeks. The main frustration centered on consistency: some bulbs in the same order performed well while others languished. The company and Amazon were unresponsive in some cases when buyers sought replacements for non-blooming bulbs.
At this budget-friendly price point, you take a gamble on bulb viability. For the price of a single coffee run, it is still worth trying if you want a low-commitment amaryllis experiment, but those who need guaranteed blooms should invest in a larger bulb size or a more consistent brand like the Picasso or Apple Blossom options above.
What works
- Very affordable entry point for a waxed amaryllis
- Red wax with white blooms offers classic holiday color contrast
- No soil or watering needed
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent blooming—some bulbs never produce flowers
- Smaller bulb size often results in only one stem
- Customer support for replacements reported as unresponsive
5. Red Waxed Amaryllis Flower Collection, No Water Needed (Pack of 3)
Holland Bulb Farms offers this 3-pack of waxed amaryllis bulbs, each graded at a solid 28/30 cm circumference. The set is designed for gifting: three individual bulbs in gift-ready packaging with a stand, meaning you can give one away and keep two, or display them together for a clustered color effect. The wax is red, and the blooms are described as red—so this is a solid-color collection rather than a bicolor variety.
Buyers appreciated the careful packing, which included a warming pack during winter shipping to prevent freeze damage—a detail that shows attention to bulb survival. Most customers reported successful blooming within 4-8 weeks, with multiple stems per bulb. A few noted that one bulb out of the three had a damaged bloom bud or arrived in poor condition, but the majority described the collection as a fun, long-lasting gift that earns praise through Valentine’s Day.
If you need multiple waxed amaryllis bulbs for gifts or want to create a mini holiday display, this 3-pack delivers good value per bulb at a premium overall price. Just be aware that you are getting red-on-red—red wax with red flowers—not a red-and-white patterned bloom.
What works
- Three bulbs in one purchase—great for gifting or cluster display
- 28/30 cm bulbs are a reliable size for multiple stems
- Includes warming pack in winter to protect bulbs during shipping
What doesn’t
- Solid red blooms only—no bicolor pattern
- Higher total cost for a 3-pack if you only need one bulb
- Occasional damaged bloom bud reported in the set
Hardware & Specs Guide
Bulb Size (Circumference in cm)
Bulb size is measured by circumference, not diameter. Common sizes for amaryllis are 28/30 cm (standard) and 32/34 cm (jumbo). Larger bulbs contain more stored energy, producing 2-3 flower stems instead of 1, and bigger individual florets. When comparing waxed bulbs, the size printed on the package is the best predictor of bloom output—ignore marketing terms like “jumbo” if no number is listed.
Waxed vs. Traditional Planting
Waxed amaryllis bulbs have their roots and lower bulb sealed in a moisture-retaining wax layer. They require zero care—no soil, no watering—for one bloom cycle. Traditional bulbs must be potted in well-draining soil with the top third of the bulb exposed, watered when the soil surface dries, and placed in bright indirect light. Only traditional bulbs can be saved for reblooming the following year through a dormant storage period.
FAQ
How long does a red and white amaryllis take to bloom?
Can I save my amaryllis bulb and rebloom it next year?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best red and white amaryllis winner is the Picasso Waxed Amaryllis because its 32/34 cm bulb size guarantees more stems and bigger flowers, and the white wax with red splatter delivers the exact bicolor pattern advertised. If you want tall, soil-grown stems that can reach three feet, grab the Apple Blossom Huge Bulb. And for bulk gifting or a cluster display, nothing beats the Red Waxed Collection 3-Pack.