About
A bulbous perennial to around 70cm tallwith deciduous, strap-shaped, semi-erect leaves. Three to four large white flowers shaded with pale green are borne on each sturdy, upright stem in winter and early spring.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 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 so that two-thirds of the bulb remains above the surface and water 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 with a temperature ideally in the region of 15-18°C and a sunny position. See hippeastrum cultivation and bulbs for Christmas flowering for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by removing 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