After years of doubt concerning an older version of 'Rio Negro,' the correct form has finally been seen and photographed. The former variety is also posted for your amusement.

'Sophisticate' enters the library as one of the most striking new selections of the season!

'Spotlight,' a new selection with a flare for the dramatic.

'Orange Sovereign' sourced from Israel (supposedly). It is orange indeed, but not the big, shiny-hearted orange-red of Van Waveren's original clone.

 'Double Dragon' enters the gallery, as a new favorite solid red double.

 'Santiago' was technically already here at Emaryllis as it was a mystery substitute for 'Rio Negro' one season. Later spotted on the now defunct Ludwig company website as "Ludwig 99-4." Currently sold as 'Santiago,' and properly entered into the main gallery.

Last season this was provided in place of 'Grand Diva' (we hope we have the correct clone this year). In actuality this is 'Magnum,' a new large velvety red.

From Israeli firm Saad Assaf arrives this comely new selection, 'Half and Half.' Semi-trumpet form flowers with venation and netting of rosy orange over greenish cream.

 This season, two bulbs of 'Pink Surprise' were purchased from two suppliers. On had the correct cultivar (EZ), but here 'Susan' was provided by the other company (MZ). It just depends on which wholesaler is providing to which retailer each year...

Emaryllis almost added this hybrid last year, but had poor photos and concern over whether this was a distinctive variety rather than a re-naming of 'Orange Sovereign.' It does seem to be new. An impressive and very large true orange selection on stout scapes.

Last year, 'Pink Impression' actually turned out to be 'Pink Diamond.' This season we have a white amaryllis that could be anything from 'Mont Blanc,' to 'Christmas Gift,' to 'Antarctica.' The latter is another of Nieuwkerk's varieties, offered alongside 'Pink Impression.'

 Well, it is always tempting to try purchasing the heirloom 'Spotty' when it is offered. As in years past, a lovely photo of 'Spotty' is on the bulb bin, and each bulb is tagged (<<<) using a photo of 'Striped Panther.' This year Penning's wonderful 'Temptation' was the replacement du jour.

 A second substitution, this time the frilly double 'Snow White' is replaced by one of Hadeco's small singles...meet 'Little Angel.'

Catching up with both oldies and doubles at the same time, 'White Nymph' is in the house. What it might not have in individual flower form, it makes for with an amazing overall show.

Uhhh, I told you there would be some fun this season :-) This was the first scape from a bulb sold as 'Neon.' I am no longer sure if the 'off' color (primarily white) flower represents a genetic event, or variation as the bulb settles in. At right is the closest the bulb ever got to 'Neon' as I know it (on a third scape)....still off the mark a bit.

This was a very skilled switch! What was purchased as 'Sumatra' turned out to be the pretty similar 'La Paz.' 'La Paz' is redder, more striped, and its flowers are borne on light caramel colored pedicels (those of 'Sumatra' are green). Nice try guys! Nothing to really get upset about, Emaryllis wants to keep...'The Peace .' ;-)

Of two 'Miracle' bulbs purchased this year (from different sources), one was incorrectly labeled. This is Hadeco's 'Double Six' which is an orange-red rather than the true red of 'Miracle.'

Fortunately, a potted and budded plant with a 'Miracle' label turned out true to type, and truly red...now in the gallery

As was the case a couple of seasons back, the 'Carmen' provided by box kit turns out to be a mislabel. What this standard scarlet selection actually is remains a mystery.