Question
Hi,
I'm a novice Gardner at best with an absolute passion for amaryllis.  I have this idea to procure one of those big 2 foot planters, and fill it full of bulbs.  However, I would like to know if there's a plant that is compatible with amaryllis and would it mind sharing a pot. I love the combination of flowers in overflowing pots.  Some nice ivy spilling out under a flowering bush of some sort.  I'd like that affect, but want to know if this can be done with amaryllis.  Please let me know.
Thank you,
Juanita

Answer
First, lets talk about how to grow Amaryllis. They take special conditions that other plants don't share. They bloom for about 7 to 10 weeks, as a general rule. That is if all conditons are right. Usually they bloom in the winter, but can bloom as late as June. The rest of the time they are a green, leafy plant. They need a  "rest" period of about 6 weeks, where they are kept in a cool 40-50 degree place with low light, and no water. When in bloom they like to be a cool 65 degrees. They require very low nitrogen, acid soil. They need to be "root bound" in their pots. They require damp, but not wet soil, to keep from rotting.

So, here is what I suggest you try. Bury your Amaryllis still in their pot bound pots, in the soil in your 2 foot planter. When they are through blooming, just lift them out, and store them. Then put another flower in their place. Like Geraniums. Good plants to drape over the pot, would be Swedish Ivy, Sweet Potato Vine, Million Bells, Bacopa, Lobelia, or Alyssum. If the Amaryllis flowers are brightly colored, as most are, then white would be a good choice for accent. Silver Dusty Miller, between the pots will also compliment the bright colors. It looks especially nice with pink.

For good information on growing Amaryllis, go to google.com, and type in the word "Amaryllis". This will bring up many sites that have very good instructions on what you need to know to grow your plants year, after year.

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