Overview
Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens is a bulbous perennial in the genus Hippeastrum, part of the Amaryllidaceae family. Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated not fully hardy, best grown under glass or as a houseplant. Suggested uses include indoor pot plant and summer bedding.
About
Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens is a bulbous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae that produces its flowering display between January and April. It prefers a sheltered, south-facing position and will tolerate full sun or partial shade. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and keep soil moisture moderate. Wear gloves when handling bulbs and note the plant is harmful if eaten; pets are also at risk.
About the genus
Hippeastrum is a genus of 116 species, and over 600 hybrids and cultivars, of perennial, herbaceous and bulbous plants, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico south to Argentina and on some islands in the Caribbean. The majority have large, fleshy bulbs and tall, broad, strap-like leaves that are (generally) evergreen, and large red or purple flowers. Numerous colors and cultivars have been created over the past hundred years.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hippeastrum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hippeastrum
In the garden
Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens belongs to the genus Hippeastrum in the Amaryllidaceae and is cultivated for its winter–spring flowering, which in the UK occurs from January to April. The species is not fully hardy and performs best under glass or as a houseplant, so treat it as tender (H1) in British conditions. Give bulbs a sheltered, south-facing spot where they receive full sun or partial shade. Plant into a fertile, free-draining compost or garden soil, keeping the pH neutral to slightly acidic and avoiding waterlogged conditions; soil moisture should be moderate rather than constantly wet. These settings help the bulbs produce a reliable flowering period during the colder months. Use Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens as an indoor pot specimen for winter display or as a summer bedding element where seasonal protection can be provided. Take care when handling the bulbs and foliage: the plant is harmful if eaten and can pose a risk to dogs and cats, so wear gloves and other protective equipment and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for contact numbers and further advice. Its January–April flowering makes it a useful option for indoor colour through late winter into early spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hippeastrum
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- not fully hardy, best grown under glass or as a houseplant
Plant details
Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Suggested uses
- indoor pot plant, summer bedding
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in spring after danger of frost; keep soil moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage growth.
- Propagation
- offset division, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens?
Plant bulbs in spring after danger of frost; keep soil moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light.
Where is the best place to plant Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens?
Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens need?
Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens?
Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage growth.
Is Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens hardy in the UK?
Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens has a UK hardiness rating of not fully hardy, best grown under glass or as a houseplant.
How do I propagate Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens?
Offset division, seed.
Is Hippeastrum × acramanii of gardens toxic?
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
