About
A bulbous perennial to 60cm tall, with fresh green leaves to 40cm long, emerging with or just after the flowers. In winter or spring it produces up to 3 funnel-shaped flowers to 15cm long; the petals are scarlet with green and white centres and white petal margins.
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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
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 bulbs in autumn in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with the neck and shoulders above the soil surface. Place in bright filtered or full light and water sparingly until in active growth, then water freely and apply a dilute, balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. After flowering reduce watering as the leaves die off; keep dry when dormant. Pot on every 3-5 years in autumn. See hippeastrum cultivation and bulbs for Christmas flowering for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by removing offsets in autumn. Sow seed as soon as ripe at 16-18°C; keep seedlings growing without a dormant period to encourage earlier flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to bulb scale mite and large narcissus bulb fly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases