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Hippeastrum spp.

amaryllis

Amaryllidaceae Central and South America (genus)

Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

Watermoderate

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Hippeastrum spp. (commonly sold as 'amaryllis') is a bulbous plant growing 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall. Large trumpet-shaped flowers 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in clusters of 2–4 on a hollow stalk (scape) 18–24 inches (45–60 cm), in red, white, pink, orange, striped, or double forms depending on the cultivar. The common name 'amaryllis' is a misnomer — the genus Hippeastrum spp. (South American, 90+ species) is distinct from true Amaryllis spp. (A. belladonna, South African, 2 species). The confusion dates to early botanical classification. Grows from a large bulb 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) in diameter, planted with the top third exposed above the soil surface. Widely sold as a holiday gift bulb: potting in October–November produces flowers 6–8 weeks later (December–January). To rebloom the following year, maintain the foliage in bright light through summer (the strap-shaped leaves 12–18 inches / 30–45 cm replenish the bulb), then induce a dormancy period of 8–10 weeks in a cool dark location (50–55°F / 10–13°C) with no water starting in September. All parts contain the alkaloid lycorine — toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal symptoms. Deer-resistant. Full sun to partial shade during the foliage growth phase. Well-draining soil. Zones 8–11 outdoors. Narcissus bulb fly larvae bore into the bulb. Growth rate is fast from bulb. Containers of 1–2 gallons (4–8 liters).

Native Range

The Hippeastrum spp. genus (90+ species) is native to Central and South America, primarily Brazil and the Andes. True Amaryllis spp. is a separate South African genus.

Suggested Uses

Grown in containers of 1–2 gallons (4–8 liters) as a forced winter-blooming bulb. Outdoors in zones 8–11. The holiday gift bulb market is the primary retail channel. Reblooms annually with summer growth + fall dormancy. Toxic (lycorine). Deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by large trumpet-shaped flowers 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in clusters of 2–4 on a hollow stalk above strap-shaped leaves growing from a large bulb. The hollow stalk, the large bulb with the top third exposed, and the trumpet flower form are the genus identifiers. True genus is Hippeastrum spp., not Amaryllis spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Winter Spring

6–8 weeks from potting to bloom when forced indoors (winter). Each stalk produces 2–4 flowers lasting 1–2 weeks each. Large bulbs may produce 2 stalks. Reblooms annually with a summer growth period and a fall dormancy cycle.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Variable: red, white, pink, orange, striped, double; depending on cultivar

Foliage Description

Medium green, strap-shaped

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

6-8 weeks from potting to bloom (forced)

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade during foliage growth. Plant with top third of bulb exposed. Force indoors: pot in October–November for winter bloom. Rebloom cycle: bright light through summer, then 8–10 weeks cool dark dormancy (50–55°F / 10–13°C, no water) starting September. Toxic (lycorine). Deer-resistant. Zones 8–11 outdoors.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stalks at the base after all flowers finish. Leave the strap-shaped foliage to grow through summer (replenishes the bulb). Cut foliage only after it yellows naturally in fall before inducing dormancy.

Pruning Schedule

fall

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets