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.

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.

More in the Hippeastrum genus

Browse all Hippeastrum