The U.S. National Arboretum
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Botanical Name
Hippeastrum 'La Paz'
Plant Common Name
Florist Amaryllis, Hippeastrum, La Paz Florist Amaryllis
General Description
One of several recently introduced cultivars known collectively (and aptly) as "spider amaryllis," this striking hybrid of Hippeastrum cybister has relatively petite, burgundy-red flowers with creamy green bands on their lower three petals. Bred by famed American hybridizer Fred Meyer, this cultivar was registered in Holland in 2002. 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 gray-green, purple-tinged, strap-like leaves grow from a large bulb and are nearly evergreen in moist frost-free climates. The horizontal to slightly nodding blooms are borne atop stout, leafless, purple-stained stems (scapes) in several-flowered clusters. The six twisting, claw-shaped petals are fused at the tip before opening, forming large inflated buds that resemble the beak of some predatory bird. Adding to the flowers' drama are the arching, protruding, pale green stamens. Mature bulbs may produce multiple scapes. Blooming usually occurs in spring or summer, though purchased bulbs are conditioned to flower in winter.
One of several recently introduced cultivars known collectively (and aptly) as "spider amaryllis," this striking hybrid of Hippeastrum cybister has relatively petite, burgundy-red flowers with creamy green bands on their lower three petals. Bred by famed American hybridizer Fred Meyer, this cultivar was registered in Holland in 2000. 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 gray-green, purple-tinged, strap-like leaves grow from a large bulb and are nearly evergreen in moist frost-free climates. The horizontal to slightly nodding blooms are borne atop leafless, purple-stained, thigh-high stems (scapes) in several-flowered clusters. The six twisting, claw-shaped petals are fused at the tip before opening, forming large inflated buds that resemble the beak of some predatory bird. Adding to the flowers' drama are the arching, protruding, pale green stamens. Mature bulbs may produce multiple scapes. Blooming usually occurs in spring or summer, though purchased bulbs are conditioned to flower in winter.
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. This bulb will rot in soil or potting mix that is not free-draining. 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.
Grow these bold bulbs in tropical beds and planters or as beautiful holiday potted plants for table displays.
