About
A virtually fool-proof bulb, most commonly seen as a Christmas pot plant. The bigger the bulb the more flowers will be produced. Large, conspicuous, pink-streaked white flowers are held on stout stems.
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 typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesHouseplants
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
CultivationPlant from October to January using peat-free John Innes No.2 into pots a little larger than the bulb itself. Two-thirds of the bulb should remain above the surface. Place in a well-lit spot at 21°C. Water sparingly until the new leaves develop and then start watering regularly. Turn the pot regularly to prevent the flower stem from bending toward the light. Once in flower, move the pot to a cool room to extend the flowering period. See hippeastrum cultivation and bulbs for Christmas flowering for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown as fresh as possible in spring. Seed-raised plants may take up to 6 years to flower. May also be propagated by separating offsets from the main bulb
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to bulb scale mite and narcissus bulb fly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free