COLUMBIA, Mo. – Amaryllis is the perfect last-minute gift for young and old, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. "Plants make thoughtful gifts at this time of the year, or simply represent a good way of rewarding yourself for an accomplishment," he said. Buyers can choose amaryllis that are already bursting in bloom, but Trinklein prefers giving bulbs that bloom in the dreariest part of winter. The bulbs also make a good gift for children as a beginning horticulture project. Most amaryllis today are hybrids developed by the Dutch. They are selected for their huge, showy flowers and forcing ease. Vigorous bulbs can produce up to six perfectly round flowers per flower stalk. The blooms can be 6 to 8 inches in diameter. "Amaryllis are the cure for the winter blues," Trinklein said.