Hardy Amaryllis Bulb

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Origin

South Africa

Description

Hippeastrum x johnsonii is a hybrid between H. reginae and H. vittatum. The hardy amaryllis grows 18-24 inches tall with four to six blooms produced on a stout, hollow scape that pushes from the bulb. Individual flowers are to 5 inches across, slightly fragrant and bright red with a central white stripe down the center. Blooms usually appear in late spring. 

Leaves are to 2 inches wide, to 2 feet long and bronze colored when grown in the sun.The bulbs are smaller than the typical forcing amaryllis but increase quickly, resulting in a colony of plants if left undisturbed for a number of years.  . 

Environment

Hippeastrum Lily plant is happiest when it is getting plenty of sunshine and warmth. Make sure to place it either beside a sunny window or on the outdoors. The way it reflects sunlight makes it more attractive in its natural state.

Make sure that the soil maintains a level of dryness throughout its life. When planting use a fast-draining soil for your Hippeastrum Lilly and keep in mind not to let excess water hang around for long, especially around the roots. Otherwise, the true beauty of this plant will not be realized. The bulbs may rot and the flowers may appear to be unhealthy, or it might not even show up at all.

Landscape Use

Amaryllis can be used effectively as foundation plantings to make a pleasing contrast to nearby evergreen shrubbery. Other uses for amaryllis include mass plantings, in tree islands, on slopes, near a gate entrance or in borders.