Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) are flowers of choice to take the gray chill out of winter with their audacious, sexy tropical-looking blossoms in the dead of winter! Incredibly easy to plant and nearly foolproof to grow, they provide weeks and even months of bloom indoors as potted plants or cut flowers. What more could you want?

What is Amaryllis?

Hippeastrum, often erroneously called Amaryllis, is a genus of about 90 species and over 600 hybrids of bulbous plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. The genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas from Argentina north to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Confusion: The confusion between Hippeastrum and Amaryllis is quite common, mainly due to similarities in their appearance and the historical classification of these plants. Historically, both plants were classified under the same genus, Amaryllis, due to their similar characteristics such as the bulbous growth and large, trumpet-shaped flowers. However, in the early 19th century, they were separated into two different genera – Hippeastrum and Amaryllis – each containing different species. However, the common name “amaryllis” is often used to refer to Hippeastrum species and hybrids in the commercial bulb trade. This practice causes much confusion between the two. Many of the bulbs sold as “amaryllis” in garden centers and flower shops, especially around the winter holidays, are in fact Hippeastrum.

Habit and Size: Characteristically, Hippeastrum plants produce large, bulbous bases, long, strap-like leaves, and tall, hollow flower stalks known as scapes. They typically grow to about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) in height, though some species can reach up to 36 inches (90 cm).

Flowers: The flowers of the Hippeastrum are its most striking feature. They are large, 5 to 13 inches (12 to 32 cm) across, showy, and trumpet-shaped, appearing in clusters of two to six at the top of the scapes. The flowers come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, white, and various patterns and striations.

Foliage: The leaves are broad and long, reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length. They are generally a rich green color and grow in pairs along the length of the stem.

Blooming Season: Hippeastrum typically blooms in late winter or early spring, making it a popular plant for indoor cultivation during the colder months. In their native environments, however, blooming seasons can vary. Since a scape can bear 2-6 flowers and the flowers do not bloom simultaneously, the overall flowering period lasts fairly long.

Forcing: Amaryllis bulbs can be forced into bloom. As a bonus, once the bulbs have flowered, they can be stored and brought into flower again.

Hardiness: These plants are hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. In colder climates, they are often grown indoors, or the bulbs are lifted and stored over winter.

Uses: The primary use of Hippeastrum is ornamental, whether grown in outdoor gardens in suitable climates or as indoor plants. The large, vibrant blooms make a striking addition to any setting. They are also commonly grown for the floristry trade due to their long vase life.

Pollinators: Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to the large, bright flowers of the Hippeastrum.

Toxicity: All parts of the plant contain alkaloids and can cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms if eaten.

Deer and Rabbit: The plants are toxic if ingested, which deters deer and rabbits.

In conclusion, Hippeastrum is a diverse and striking group of plants that can bring a burst of color to the garden or home, particularly in the colder months when other plants may not be in bloom.

5 main types of Amaryllis

• Large flowering Amaryllis: Most popular group with single flowers up to 8-10 in (20-25 cm). Their cultivars belong to the Galaxy group.
• Double flowering Amaryllis: Equally popular group with double flowers up to 8-10 in (20-25 cm). Their cultivars belong to the Double Galaxy group.
• Small flowering Amaryllis: These Miniature Amaryllis produce flowers up to 3-5 in. (7-12 cm). Their cultivars belong to the Colibri and Double Colibri groups.
• Cybister Amarylis: These unusual Amaryllis are fascinating beauties with long, narrow petals with finely striped splashes of green and burgundy. Their cultivars belong to the Spider group.
• Trumpet Amarylis: The single flowers are trumpet-shaped, slightly scented and resemble lilies. Their cultivars belong to the Trumpet group.

Amaryllis Bulb Size Matters

The bulb size and the cultivar determine the number of flower stems that will develop. The bigger the bulb, the more chance it will produce more flower stems with several flowers to a stem:

• 26/28 cm bulb – 1 stem (occasionally 2) with 3 to 4 flowers
• 28/30 cm bulb – 1-2 stems with 3-4 flowers per stem
• 30/32 cm bulb – 2 stems with 4-5 flowers per stem
• 32/34 cm bulb – 2 stems (occasionally 3) with 4-5 flowers per stem
• 34/36 cm bulb – 3 stems with 4-5 flowers per stem