Hippeastrum

The genus Hippeastrum is in the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis) family and has about 90 species and hundreds of cultivars. For many years there was confusion among botanists over the generic names Amaryllis and Hippeastrum, resulting in the common name amaryllis used for cultivars of this genus, while the generic name Amaryllis was applied to bulbs from South Africa, usually grown outdoors.

Hippeastrum are perennial herbaceous bulbs, often sold for flowering indoors, and seen often for sale during the winter holiday season. They have basal, strap-shaped leaves with stout, hollow stems that rise 2-3 ft. tall.  Each stem bears 2 or more stalked flowers at the top.  The flowers are horizontal or drooping, funnel-shaped, and 6-parted, with hybrids available in red, pink, white, salmon, and various bicolors.  If grown outdoors, It flowers in late spring around May. The large blooms last for 3-4 weeks. 

Hippeastrums grow best in full sun or, indoors, with morning sun but not direct afternoon sun. Sun dappled shade or bright shade is best for outdoor plants. They tolerate drought, but keep the soil moist during the active growing season.  When planting, bury bulbs neck up with half the bulb above the surface in humus rich, well-draining potting soil mix and space 6 to 12 inches apart.  Plants are injured at temperatures below 35 degrees F (2C) and can normally only survive the winter in climate zones 9 and 10; however, they are known to survive the winter in zones 7 and 8 if properly mulched.  

Typically, Amaryllis bulbs are planted in pots between mid-fall and late winter for bloom approximately 5 weeks later. Bulbs may also be started indoors in early spring and moved outside for late spring to early summer bloom. Regardless of growing cycle, bulbs need a period of recovery and rejuvenation after bloom when flowers are removed but foliage is left intact and reduced watering is continued. The plants remain dormant for at least 2 months before starting the bloom cycle over.  They are great for use in beds, borders, as exhibition bulbs, and as fresh cut flowers

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Mealybugs are occasional visitors. Watch for snails if plants are taken outdoors.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.