The U.S. National Arboretum
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Botanical Name
Hippeastrum 'Royal Velvet'
Plant Common Name
Florist Amaryllis, Hippeastrum, Royal Velvet Florist Amaryllis
General Description
The perfect Christmas centerpiece, this hybrid from famed Dutch hybridizer Ludwig & Co. bears large huge deep currant-red flowers on tall stems. It was introduced in 1997. 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 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, thigh-high stems ("scapes") in four-flowered clusters. Mature bulbs produce multiple scapes. 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
22"-24" / 55.9cm - 61.0cm
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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
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Dark Red
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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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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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Showy Bark
No
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
