Amaryllis Red Lion | Hippeastrum

This super-sized amaryllis is 36cm round the bulb, so should produce 2 to 3 stems per bulb, or even 4 if you are very lucky. With approx 4/5 flowers on each stem, the display of 'Red Lion' can be stunning. An interesting houseplant with spectacular funnel-shaped flowers appearing on tall stems before the strap-like green leaves. The stunning blooms appear about six to eight weeks after planting, and with careful timing you could have a lovely display just in time for Christmas. General care: Set the bulb in a pot containing good quality compost so that the top two-thirds are exposed. Water the compost only when the surface is dry; too much just after potting can cause the bulb to rot. Keep the plant in a bright spot avoiding direct sun, and rotate the plant periodically to avoid the emerging flower stalk leaning towards the light. Leaves will appear shortly after flowering. Once flowering has finished, cut off the flower stalk 5-10cm above the bulb - don't cut off the foliage. Water when the surface of the compost is dry and feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Reduce and cease watering from early autumn and move to a dry, dark spot for a few months allowing the foliage to die back, simulating the dormant, dry season of the plant's native South America. In November bring it back into the light and begin watering again. Old foliage should be removed, though take care not to remove any new shoots. Expect flowers in six to eight weeks. Please note that newly planted bulbs, using the technique described above, can take up to eight weeks to flower so plant or purchase as gifts in early November for flowering at Christmas. Bulbs purchased as gifts for Christmas are likely to flower from early February onwards.