The U.S. National Arboretum
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Botanical Name
Hippeastrum 'Baby Star'
Plant Common Name
Baby Star Florist Amaryllis, Florist Amaryllis, Hippeastrum
General Description
Although commonly known as amaryllis, 'Baby Star' is not a hybrid derived from the South African native Amaryllis belladonna but rather of Hippeastrum, native to South America. This tender perennial bulb bears showy red trumpet-shaped flowers with white midstripes on their petals. The flowers are half the size of those of typical "amaryllis". Purchased bulbs are conditioned to bloom in winter, but left to their own devices they bloom naturally from early spring to early summer. Leaves are strap-shaped and dark green.
This bulb is a vigorous grower in full sun to light shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Often grown indoors in containers, it makes an attractive garden subject where hardy, tolerating light freezes when dormant. For indoor forcing, give it a cool dry rest in late summer and fall to promote winter flowering.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12"-24" / 30.5cm - 61.0cm
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Width
6"-9" / 15.2cm - 22.9cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Red, Light Green
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No