Overview
Hippeastrum 'Santos' is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Hippeastrum, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hippeastrum 'Santos' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include houseplants, conservatory and greenhouse and cut flowers.
About
Hippeastrum 'Santos' is a bulbous perennial cultivar within the Hippeastrum genus, known for its columnar upright habit and deciduous, thick strap-like foliage. This plant produces robust, leafless stems that bear clusters of large, funnel-shaped blooms in spring. It thrives in well-drained loam soil with moist conditions and can grow in full sun or partial shade, ideally in a sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspect. Suitable for cultivation as a houseplant or in conservatories and greenhouses, 'Santos' is also valued for cut flowers. It is hardy to H1a and can be propagated by offsets or seed.
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
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Hippeastrum 'Santos' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hippeastrum 'Santos'
- Propagation
- Offsets, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Bulb scale mite, Large narcissus bulb fly, Slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Fungal diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hippeastrum 'Santos'?
Hippeastrum 'Santos' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hippeastrum 'Santos' need?
Hippeastrum 'Santos' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hippeastrum 'Santos' hardy in the UK?
Hippeastrum 'Santos' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Hippeastrum 'Santos'?
Offsets, Seed.
