Hippeastrum × johnsonii
St Joseph's lily
Garden hybrid; parent species native to South America
Overview
Hippeastrum x johnsonii is a garden hybrid of H. reginae and H. vittatum, raised in England around 1799 and grown from a large bulb 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across. Strap-shaped green leaves emerge with or just after the flowers, reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) long and about 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide, arching outward in two ranks. Hollow flower scapes rise 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall, each bearing 2-4 trumpet-shaped flowers 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) across. The tepals are deep red with a white star radiating from the throat and a pale stripe along each segment. Flowering occurs in spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks per scape. Bulbs multiply by offsets, forming clumps over several years. Foliage continues through summer and dies back where winters are cold. All parts contain lycorine and related alkaloids that are toxic if eaten by people or pets. Growth slows in waterlogged soil, where bulbs are prone to rot.
Native Range
A hybrid of garden origin, not found in the wild. Its parent species H. reginae and H. vittatum are native to South America, in the Andes and tropical lowlands of Peru, Brazil, and neighboring countries. The hybrid is now grown in warm-temperate and subtropical gardens worldwide and naturalizes in parts of the southeastern United States.Suggested Uses
Grown in mixed borders and bulb beds at 8-12 inch (20-30 cm) spacing, and in containers moved under cover where winters fall below 10°F (-12°C). Naturalizes in clumps in frost-free gardens of zones 8-10. Also grown as a potted plant for spring flowering indoors.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Blooms in spring, typically March through May depending on climate, and earlier under glass or in zones 9-10. Each scape flowers for 2-3 weeks, and an established clump of several bulbs extends the display to 4-6 weeks. Mature bulbs may produce a second scape in a single season.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red with whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Set bulbs with the upper third above the soil line in well-drained ground or a container of at least 2 gallons (8 L). Water regularly during active growth from spring through summer, then reduce water as the foliage yellows in autumn to allow a rest period. A balanced fertilizer applied monthly through the growing season supports the following year's flowers. In zones 7-8 a winter mulch shields bulbs left in the ground, while further north bulbs are lifted and stored frost-free. Red blotch fungus and bulb rot develop in cold, wet soil. Narcissus bulb fly larvae sometimes tunnel into the bulbs.Pruning
Cut each flower stalk near the base once the blooms fade to prevent seed formation and redirect energy to the bulb. Leave the foliage intact until it yellows and withers naturally in autumn, as it replenishes the bulb. Remove only fully dead leaves.Pruning Schedule
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons