Hippeastrum vittatum

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Plant
ID 61 Hippeastrum vittatum
Botanic Name Hippeastrum vittatum
Common Name Hippeastrum
Family Name Amaryllidaceae
Cultivars 'Carnival'
Origin Peru, Zone 10-11
Growth Type Bulbs & Corms
Bark Type Stemless / Acaulescent
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Medium
No. of Species 75
Growth Habit Clumping Growth Rate Fast
Height 0.3 - 0.4 m (1 - 1 ft) Spread 0.5 m (2 ft)
Plant Overview
This bulbous perennial has upright to lax green long lanced-shaped leaves and forms a clump. The large red or crimson trumpet-shaped flowers appear in a cluster high above the foliage on a stout stem during spring.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Lanceolate
The long lanceolate leaves have a leathery texture and are up to 450 mm (18 in) long. The apex is obtuse and the leaves tend to fold upwards along the mid rib.
Arrangement Opposite
Margin Entire
Colour Glossy dark green
Size 50 - 450 mm ( 2.0 - 17.7 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Funnelform
There are 2 to 6 large funnelform flowers arranged in an umbel that is held above the foliage on a thick scape and appear during spring. The flower colour varies from red, pink to white and crimson.
Inflorescence Umbel
Colour Crimson
Size 200 - 250 mm ( 7.9 - 9.8 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Capsule Additional Information
Colour Green
Very large fleshy capsule grows to 110 mm (4 in) long and contains a flat winged seed. The seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively to maintain true to type. Note: care should be taken as the bulbs are toxic if ingested.
Edible No
Bird Attractive No
Size 0 - 0 mm ( 0.0 - 0.0 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained fertile moist sandy to light clay loam, rich-organic, pH 6.5-7.5
Container Pots, tubs, planter boxes, under glass in cool climates
Climate Warm temperate
Aspect Full sun, wind and frost protection, drought tender
Pest & Diseases Leaf scorch, mosaic virus, grey mould, thrips, spider mite, mealybugs, deer tolerant
Fertiliser Add rotten manure to the soil during planting, reduce watering during the dorment period
Pruning Remove spent flower heads and leaves
Cultural Uses Propagation
Hippeastrum is grown for its colourful flowers and is planted in garden borders or as a specimen. It is also planted in containers for indoor use when flowering and used in courtyards. The flowers are used in floral arrangements.
Sow fresh seed during summer and seedlings take 2 to 3 years to flower. Divide bulblets during winter. Plant out during late autumn at a depth of 30 mm to 50 mm (2 in).
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