Scientific Name
Hippeastrum spp. = Amaryllis spp.
Common Name
Dutch Amaryllis, South African Amaryllis
HIPPEASTRUM = AMARYLLIS
(Hybrids are available in red, pink, white, salmon, and bicolors.)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) flowers in late spring (May) and lasts for 3-4 weeks. They are 24-36 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: South America
2. Common names: Dutch Amaryllis, South African Amaryllis
3. Geophyte organ: A tunicated bulb
4. Hardiness type: Tender III - Injured at temperatures below 35 degrees F (2C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by seed and offsets and require a very warm (70 to 85F) - cool (45 to 55F) - high (70 to 85F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, borders, exhibition bulbs, and fresh cut flowers.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 24/26, 26/28, 28/30, 30/up cm, in circumference.
2. Planting density: 6-12 inches apart, 1-2 per sq. ft. Does very well when planted in clumps of 3 or more bulbs.
3. Planting depth: 8 inches to base of the bulb.
4. Planting time: Fall or spring
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zones 7 to 8 with mulch, 9 to 10 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight to PM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Tolerates drought, but keep moist during active growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Alyssum, Arabis, Aster alpinus, Centaurea dealbata, Coreopsis, Digitalis, Gypsophila paniculata, Hemerocallis (yellow cvs.), Iris (rhizomatous white and yellow cvs.), Kniphofia (yellow cvs.), Peonies (white and yellow cvs.), Verbascum (white cvs.), Rhododendron spp. (deciduous and evergreen), Cotoneaster, Berberis, Acer palmatum, Deutzia gracilis, Weigela.

Hippeastrum 'Minerva'

Hippeastrum 'Minerva'

H. 'Apple Blossom'

Hippeastrum 'Pamela'

H. 'Orange Sovereign'

Hippeastrum 'Red Lion'

H. 'Wedding Dance'

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.