What’s flowering now?
Hippeastrum
Barbados lily, Amaryllis
This genus from south America has 70-75 species with at least 600 hybrids. Intensive hybridising has produced a range of dazzling colours in singles, doubles and miniatures.
Hippeastrums will grow nearly anywhere in Australia. In Queensland they are a spring flowering bulb. Large bold trumpet-shaped flowers are borne on hollow stems with usually four flowers per stem.
Colour can range from pure white through to pinks,oranges and reds.
Mature bulbs can produce 2-4 spikes per season, each lasting 2-3 weeks.
Plant bulbs in early Autumn in a well drained soil about 45cms apart, point up with necks above the soil. Mass plantings look spectacular.
Clumps can be separated after 3-4 years, and are best done in late summer to early autumn. They also make good pot plants which could be brought indoors during flowering.
A balanced fertilizer should be applied before flowering, not when dormant in winter. Hippeastrums are usually free from pests except snails.
I highly recommend this easy to grow bulb for a spectacular impact of colour in spring.
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