John Buettner
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Botanical Name
Hippeastrum
Plant Common Name
Florist Amaryllis, Hippeastrum
General Description
Best known for its showy-flowered hybrids which are sold under the misleading common name "amaryllis", Hippeastrum comprises about 80 species of bulbous perennials. All are grown for their fantastic flowers that are typically large, amaryllis-like and colorful. Most species are native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Central and South America and the West Indies, whereas true Amaryllis are native to South Africa.
The dark to medium green strap-like leaves of Hippeastrum rise from a large bulb and are typically evergreen in moist frost-free climates and deciduous in areas with seasonal drought or cold. Several flowers are borne atop the stout, leafless stems. Blooming usually occurs in spring or summer, though purchased bulbs are conditioned to flower in winter. Flower color may be red, pink, orange, yellow, or white and often have contrasting stripes or markings. The fruit is a large, lobed capsule.
A few species are grown by enthusiasts. These include lily of the palace (Hippeastrum auclicum), a winter-blooming native of Brazil and Paraguay that produces medium-sized red blooms with green throats. Closely related is the unique butterfly amaryllis (Hippeastrum papilio), whose fall to winter blooms are greenish white with maroon stripes and darker green markings. The remarkably hardy Hippeastrum × johnstonii makes an excellent garden plant in areas such as the southeastern United States, displaying its bright red, white-striped blooms in spring.
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. Houseplants should be planted in pots with their bulb "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 in full sun to partial shade 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 holiday table accents. Numerous cultivars are available, including dwarf, double, and early-blooming selections.
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
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Pink, Salmon
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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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Showy Fruit
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Showy Bark
No
