Also known as amaryllis and knight's star lily, this genus of around 80 species belongs to the bulb family and is indigenous to the Americas.They produce long, straplike, rather fleshy leaves and magnificient, large, funnel-shaped flowers borne on strong flower stems. The flowers are made up of 6 petals occurring in 2 whorls of 3 petals with widely varying patterns. Flowers bloom in late winter, and are white, pink, or rd; different species show an even wider color range. There are many common cultivars. The name Hippeastrum comes from the Greek hippos (horse) and astrum (of the flower), and refers to the resemblance between the shape of the flowerhead and a horse's head.
CULTIVATION
Grow outdoors in frost-free areas or as green-house plants in cooler climates. Plant with the tip of the bulb exposed, in moist humus-rich woil. Plenty of water and feeding during the growing period will encourage large flowers. Allow the bulb to dry off after the foliage dies down and flowering finishes. These plants can only be grown from bulbs.
Top Tip
All Hippeastrum make suitable potted house plants and flower well indoors. They grow best in a good-quality loam-based potting mix.
CULTIVATION
Grow outdoors in frost-free areas or as green-house plants in cooler climates. Plant with the tip of the bulb exposed, in moist humus-rich woil. Plenty of water and feeding during the growing period will encourage large flowers. Allow the bulb to dry off after the foliage dies down and flowering finishes. These plants can only be grown from bulbs.
Top Tip
All Hippeastrum make suitable potted house plants and flower well indoors. They grow best in a good-quality loam-based potting mix.
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