Hippeastrums (also called Amaryllis) are native to south and central America where they thrive in dappled shade. Prepared bulbs can flower within 4-5 weeks of planting, with the leaves following the emergence of the flower stem. Frost tender, the bulbs are ideal pot plants - they can be outdoors in summer and brought indoors in winter.
Graceful-looking with its thin, elegantly reflexed, spidery white petals adorned with soft green and myriads of vermilion red dots.
Each bulb often 4-6 flowers per stem.
Pot the bulb into a container allowing at least 3 cm all around the bulb for future growth. Use a quality mix with slow-release fertiliser and plant so that the top third of the bulb is above the mix, spreading the roots as you slowly fill in beneath the bulb, firming the mix as you go to make sure there are no empty pockets.Water well after planting, and keep just damp, not wet, from then onward. Keep in a warm, well-lit position and turn the pot a little every day to prevent the stem growing towards the light.