James H. Schutte
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Botanical Name
HIPPEASTRUM x johnsonii
Plant Common Name
Hardy Amaryllis, Johnson's Florist Amaryllis, Johnson's Hippeastrum, St. Joseph's Lily
General Description
A remarkably cold-hardy "amaryllis" resulting from a circa-1800 cross between two South American species, this bulbous perennial is prized for its showy spring flowers and its tough constitution.
Clumps of broad, strap-shaped, dark green leaves give rise to one to four knee-high flower stems (called "scapes") in mid-spring. The leaves turn bronze tones in sun. Each scape bears as many as six flaring, trumpet-shaped, scarlet-red blooms with white mid-stripes on each of their six segments. The flowers are sweetly scented. Swollen green pods may follow the flowers, although this hybrid is partially sterile. The foliage is nearly evergreen in mild winter regions, but will die back in cold winters and hot dry summers.
Grow Johnson's hippeastrum in full to partial sun in fertile soil that is moist during the green season. Although preferring well-drained soil, this bulb will tolerate heavy clay. A long-time garden favorite in the Southeast United States, it is hardy to USDA Zone 6, if planted below the frost line. Use it as an accent in the mixed perennial border, foundation bed, or cottage and cutting garden. It also works well in containers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 10
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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
20"-24" / 50.8cm - 61.0cm
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
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
Clay, Loam, Sand
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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
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor, Striped
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Copper, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Copper, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Copper, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Copper, Bronze
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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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
Medium
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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
Container, Cutflower, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
