About
A bulbous perennial to 50cm in height, with strap-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped deep crimson flowers to 18cm across, shading to scarlet in centre.
About the genus
Hippeastrum are deciduous bulbous perennials with slightly fleshy, strap-shaped leaves and stout, leafless stems bearing umbels of large, funnel-shaped flowers usually in winter or spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
ToxicityHarmful 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
CultivationPot newly purchased bulbs from October to January, large bulbs in a 15cm container, smaller ones in a 10cm container, planting so that two-thirds of the bulb remains above the surface and watering in well. The appearance of leaves will signify that root activity has started and regular watering can begin. A good supply of water is required as soon as growth becomes vigorous. A warm buoyant atmosphere with a temperature ideally in the region of 15-18°C and a sunny position are desirable for good growth. Exposure to the sun should be avoided only in the hottest part of summer. See hippeastrum cultivation and bulbs for Christmas flowering for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown as fresh as possible in a temperature of 16-18°C. Seeds can be started in peat-free seed compost and seedlings potted on using peat-free John Innes No 2 with the addition of extra sharp sand or grit. Grow in individual small pots, potting on periodically during the spring-summer season of vigorous growth into slightly larger pots as the young plants develop or each time the pot becomes well filled with roots. Keep plants growing actively, in moderate warmth, allowing no periods of dormancy. Cultivars will not come true from seed; an alternative method of propagation is to remove offsets in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to bulb scale mite, large narcissus bulb fly and slugs and snails throughout the summer months
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free