Overview
Hippeastrum 'Giraffe' is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Hippeastrum, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hippeastrum 'Giraffe' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include houseplants.
About
Hippeastrum 'Giraffe' is a bulbous perennial cultivar within the Amaryllidaceae family, known for its columnar upright habit and deciduous foliage. Like other Hippeastrum species, it produces robust, leafless stems that bear clusters of large, funnel-shaped flowers in spring. This cultivar thrives in well-drained, moist loam soil with a neutral pH and prefers full sun to partial shade, ideally in a sheltered, east-, south-, or west-facing aspect. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is commonly grown as a houseplant and requires careful propagation by seed or bulb offsets.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hippeastrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Hippeastrum 'Giraffe' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hippeastrum 'Giraffe'
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed as soon as they are ripe, keep seedlings growing without a dormant period to encourage earlier flowering. Remove bulb offsets in autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to bulb scale mite, large narcissus bulb fly and slugs and snails throughout the summer months
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to various fungal diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hippeastrum 'Giraffe'?
Hippeastrum 'Giraffe' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hippeastrum 'Giraffe' need?
Hippeastrum 'Giraffe' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hippeastrum 'Giraffe' hardy in the UK?
Hippeastrum 'Giraffe' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Hippeastrum 'Giraffe'?
Propagate by seed as soon as they are ripe, keep seedlings growing without a dormant period to encourage earlier flowering. Remove bulb offsets in autumn.
