Hippeastrum

Hippeastrum

A genus of the Amaryllidaceae found only in South America. They present a fascinating array of species many of which have never even been in cultivation.

Those few that have actually been introduced, have often died out as the entire genus seems prone to disease as well as being very susceptible to viral infections.

Out of the limited introductions a few species seem resistant and have survived and proven to be both growable and excellent, these are the ones to aim for I suspect!

Hippeastrum are not hardy in the UK but they are easy under frost-free, or warmer, glass. They like to be potted, in a fibrous yet fertile and well-drained compost with about 35% of the bulb above the soil surface, after which they should be watered on a little, until roots are well established. Then regular watering and light feeding can be given. Top growth should be allowed to die away when it yellows and a brief, dry rest given in the pot. Disturb them as little as possible, repotting only ever 3-4 years.



Available for ordering from Spring and Autumn lists.

Products

Hippeastrelia Red Beauty

As the name suggests this has superb, rich red flowers. There is a hint of crimson about the red, perhaps from the Sprekelia and although the foliage is very similar in all of the crosses, this clone is very distinct in the shade and shape of its flowers.

New for 2010.

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Hippeastrelia Red Beautyhipredbea £6.50
NOT flowering sized, these are offset bulbs but should flower after one more season's good growth. Priced down accordingly

Hippeastrum equestre

Hippeastrum equestre

This is supposed to be the same plant as puniceum, however the two plants look and behave very differently here, so we have retained the names.

Orange red flowers with broad, overlapping petals and a green centre. Naturally makes only small bulbs compared with fat commercial hybrids though it is just as easy to grow and under the same conditions.

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Hippeastrum equestrehipequequ £7.50
This naturally makes much smaller bulbs than man species, seldom over 1.5cm across, this is flowering sized.

Hippeastrum gracilis

Hippeastrum gracilis

This makes quite small bulbs for a Hippeastrum but it grows very well, clumps up quickly when happy and flowers reliably, so small bulbs are not a disadvantage!

Bright crimson to vermilion flowers with broad petals, overlapping at the base and a lovely contrasting white-green, fringed star in the centre of the throat.

Grows well with virtually no special treatments other than those that you would normally give the genus - good drainage and a fertile soil, with a dryish rest from late autumn and over winter.

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Hippeastrum gracilishipgragra £8.50
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Hippeastrum roseum

Hippeastrum roseum

Stems from 30-45cm tall each bear up to four flowers of an unusual orange-pink, a colour not encountered in any other species that I know of. Thin, slightly darker orange stripes run the length of the petals converging in the small, lime green throat.

A lovely form, new to our lists in 2009. Cultivation of this small-bulbed plant is as for the normal species.

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Hippeastrum roseumhiprosros £7.50
Nice bulbs, naturally not large.

Hippeastrum vittatum

Hippeastrum vittatum

Broad, crystalline white petals are varying marked and striped with candy pink to cherry red lines. The broad petals overlap at their bases and give a very substantial appearance to this lovely flower and the small green throat adds just enough counterpoint to elevate this to superb.

Cultivation as per normal

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Hippeastrum vittatumhipvitvit £7.50
Flowering size (or close) bulbs.
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