Large, graceful trumpet-shaped blooms in fresh spring colours are produced at the top of tall stems from Hippeastrum ‘Apple Blossom’ during the darkest months of the year.
The lily-like flowers are a joy to watch as they unfurl from large buds to reveal the soft pink and white, watercolour petals. Exotic-looking, long curved stamens reach out from the fresh green centre of each bloom.
South African Hippeastrum, commonly known as Amaryllis, are often grown to flower at Christmas, adding a natural feel to the festive home.
This elegant variety Amaryllis Apple Blossom has been granted a prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the RHS for incredible beauty, health, and vigour.
Each bulb will produce two stems, each holding up to 5 show-stopping blooms.
de Jager's top quality, top size bulbs really make a huge difference in terms of flowering.
Before planting soak lower part of bulb and roots in warm water for a few hours. Hippeastrum bulbs should flower approximately six to eight weeks after planting and are best planted between October and January.
Use a peat-free John Innes No.2 or multipurpose compost and choose a pot just slightly larger than the bulb. Position the bulb with roughly one-third exposed above the compost surface. Place pots in a bright warm room at approximately 21°C (70°F) to encourage strong growth. Water lightly at first, increasing gradually once leaves begin to appear. Keep the compost lightly moist but never waterlogged, and avoid leaving excess water in saucers.
Turn the pot regularly so the flower stem develops evenly towards the light, and support taller varieties if needed. Once the flowers open, moving the plant to a cooler room around 15–18°C (60–65°F) will help extend the display and keep blooms looking fresh for longer.