Hippeastrum x johnsonii (Hardy Amaryllis)

Hippeastrum x johnsonii (Hardy Amaryllis) is a clump-forming, bulbous perennial boasting ravishing clusters of 4-6 slightly fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, 5 in. across (12 cm), in late spring. The blossoms feature 6 gracefully recurved scarlet tepals, each with a central white stripe down its center. The flowers are borne atop stout, upright, hollow stems. One bulb can produce up to 4 stems. The foliage of semi-evergreen, strap-shaped, deep green leaves, up to 2 ft. long (60 cm), can take on coppery tones when grown in full sun. Vigorous, the bulbs increase quickly, forming a charming colony, if left undisturbed for a while. Hardy Amaryllis is the hardiest of the Amaryllis and can withstand winter temperatures to 0°F (-18°C). In cool climates, this bulb is winter deciduous, but in warmer areas it is nearly evergreen. Hippeastrum x johnsoniii a hybrid between H. reginae and H. vittatum. It is believed to be one of the first hybrid amaryllis, produced in 1799 by English watchmaker Arthur Johnson.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Elegantly rising up to 18-24 in. (45-60 cm), each bulb often produces 4 stems and 4-6 flowers per stem.
• Grow indoors or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter. Plant bulbs in autumn with the neck and shoulders above the soil surface, in a loam-based potting compost in in full sun or light shade. Does well in heavy clay soils as long as drainage is adequate.
• Irrigate during dry summer months to maintain foliage or allow it to go dormant.
• After flowering, cut spent flower stems down to the base.
• Propagate by division, removing bulb offsets in autumn, or propagate by seed sown as fresh as possible, at 61-64°F (16-18°C). Keep young plants growing actively, in moderate warmth, allowing no periods of dormancy. .
• Ingestion may cause stomach upset.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.