Ednie Flower Bulb, Inc.
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Botanical Name
Hippeastrum 'Clown'
Plant Common Name
Clown Hippeastrum, Florist Amaryllis, Hippeastrum
General Description
Alternating, longitudinal bands of creamy white and deep orange-red decorate the large showy flowers of this 1980 introduction. Don't let the common name fool you: like most so-called "amaryllis," this tender perennial bulb is a hybrid of the South American Hippeastrum rather than the South African Amaryllis.
The dark to medium green strap-like leaves grow from a large bulb and are nearly evergreen in moist frost-free climates. The funnel-shaped, horizontal to somewhat nodding blooms are borne atop stout, leafless, nearly knee-high stems in three- to four-flowered clusters. Blooming usually occurs in spring or summer, though purchased bulbs are conditioned to flower in winter. The flowers are followed by large lobed seed capsules.
Hybrid Hippeastrum bulbs are easily obtained in late summer and fall from mail-order bulb catalogs and garden centers. If grown in a sunny window and provided average moisture, they will flower within weeks of planting but may flower at other seasons in subsequent years. Containerized bulbs should be planted in a porous, moderately fertile potting mix with their "shoulders" exposed. Giving potted bulbs a dry rest in late summer will encourage winter bloom. Repot the bulbs only when their vigor wanes. Hippeastrum are great garden plants in frost-free climates. They thrive in full to partial sun and well-drained, humus-rich soil. Although usually planted near the soil's surface, they can also be planted a bit deeper, especially where light frost may occur. Watch for streaked or stunted leaves with white spots, which may signal the presence of a viral disease or mealybugs.
Grow these bold bulbs in tropical beds and planters or as beautiful holiday potted plants for table displays.
Characteristics
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 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
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Height
16"-18" / 40.6cm - 45.7cm
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Width
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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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, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
No
