Hippeastrum x johnsonii (Hardy Amaryllis)
St. Joseph's Lily, 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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Bulbs |
Plant Family | Hippeastrum - Amaryllis |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Mr.Somchai Sukkasem, Fotoyukha, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Bulbs |
Plant Family | Hippeastrum - Amaryllis |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |