Family
Amaryllidaceae
Botanical Name
Hippeastrum 'Promise'
Plant Common Name
Florist Amaryllis, Hippeastrum, Promise Florist Amaryllis
General Description
Introduced in 2002, this showy double-flowered "amaryllis" more than lives up to its promise when its large white red-veined flowers open. 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 horizontal to nodding blooms are borne atop stout, leafless, nearly knee-high stems (scapes) in four-flowered clusters. Mature bulbs produce two or three scapes at a time. 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 variety is prone to bulb rot if not given perfect drainage. 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, 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
