The classic red bulb
Deep red is the colour that made Hippeastrum famous, and the usual seller is a potted bulb that looks like a big onion. Searches for "red bulb flower" are often this plant. The flowers open in clusters of two to four on a stem 40 to 70 centimetres tall, and in most cultivars the throat is edged with a lighter stripe.
Red in the language of flowers
Red flowers suggest passion and intensity. Amaryllis traditionally stands for pride, strength and radiant beauty, so a red one makes a bold gift for a milestone birthday or a celebration in the warm months.
Spring show, summer leaves
In Australia the stems appear in spring, September to November, and by Christmas the plant is a clump of strap-like leaves. That is healthy. The leaves collect energy for next year, so keep watering and feeding them through summer.
- Plant with the neck of the bulb above the soil.
- Place in a bright, warm spot, out of afternoon sun in hot places.
- Feed every month while it is in leaf with a balanced fertiliser.
- Let it dry out a little in winter.
Pet safety around red amaryllis
Frost will burn the leaves, so in places like Canberra or the Tablelands grow Hippeastrum in a pot and tuck it under cover from June to August.
Pet safety around red amaryllis
The bulb and plant contain lycorine. The ASPCA says amaryllis is toxic to dogs, cats and horses and lists vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and tremors among the signs. Place pots out of reach.
