Hippeastrum

Last year we grew several hippeastrum to give away as Christmas presents (and a few for us, too).They’re very satisfying bulbs to grow and although initially they’re pricey – understandable when you consider the resources put in to produce them – nothing is more spectacular than their huge lily flowers, sometimes several to a strong, sturdy stem.

Perhaps one of their most appealing qualities is that you don’t need special facilities to grow them – no greenhouse required. All that’s necessary is a pot, some compost and a windowsill. The pot should be just a bit bigger than the bulb, with a drainage hole and preferably made from clay, though you can reuse whatever you have.

Let the roots dangle into the pot and fill with compost – soil-based is best – so that two thirds of the bulb sits above the pot. Water once gently but thoroughly and ensure the compost is kept moist but never wet throughout the growing season. They have to be the most spectacular flowers and when you see the buds open up you’re struck more than ever by the magic of bulbs.

A few weeks ago a large bulb in a pot from last year produced a tall stem with three big buds opening to magnificent blood-red flowers. They were much the same colour as two of the dahlias in our copper bathtub, so the hippeastrum was temporarily plonked in the middle; an exotic touch! In fact, it should have felt at home since they’re both from the same continent. I only recently found out that hippeastrum are from Central and South America; there are more than 90 different species and countless hybrids. Though the two are related,

comes from the other side of the ocean, from South Africa. It flowers late in the year and is best planted just below the surface of the soil in a sheltered, sunny spot.