Hippeastrum Double King - Amaryllis

Hippeastrum 'Double King' is an impressive variety of amaryllis, with double flowers of deep vermillion red, delicately marked with white at the tips of the petals. Ideal for brightening up your interior at the end of the year, during a period when the garden is resting. In just a few weeks, this large bulb produces 1 or several robust stems, each carrying 4 enormous flowers. A simple regular supply of fertiliser will guarantee you faithful flowering every year.

Everyone knows amaryllis, but their scientific name is much less known: they belong to the genus Hippeastrum, in the Amaryllidaceae family. Speaking of amaryllis is a misuse of language, as there is another South African bulbous plant called, Amaryllis (not to be confused!). It can be grown outdoors but is not very hardy, 

Hippeastrum are native to South and Central America and can only be grown indoors or in a greenhouse here, as they cannot tolerate any frost. Only the most sheltered gardens on the Mediterranean coast, spared from frost, will be able to accommodate them in open ground. They are characterised by a very large bulb that can reach 36cm (14in) in circumference, producing tall stems in the middle of winter (between December and February) that usually give rise to 3 or 4 flowers facing away.

The magnificent 'Double King' variety presents very large double flowers (up to 25cm (10in) in diameter) with elegant vermillion red petals, and an iridescent texture. The petals are often marked with a central line or a pure white tip, and the heart of the flower has petal-like stamens, transformed into small crumpled petals. The flowers are carried in groups of 4 on tall stems of 60cm (24in), arranged in a cross shape. The long bright green ribbon-like leaves dry up a few weeks after flowering.

The 'Double King' amaryllis is a subtropical plant. It should be placed in a warm location, always above 15°C (59°F) during flowering (a room that is too cold could cause the buds to drop). Water it a little during this period to prevent the substrate from drying out. Once flowering is over, cut off the dry stems. However, be careful not to remove the leaves until several weeks later, when they are completely dry. If you remove them while still green, the bulb will not be able to replenish its reserves properly and will not flower again.

Plant your amaryllis in a slightly larger pot than the bulb, burying it halfway, in rich and well-draining substrate. Moisture is its main enemy and can cause rot. These plants are very rewarding: the buds will begin to open between 6 and 8 weeks after planting. Start planting your bulbs in November to enjoy them during the holidays. Combine several varieties to stagger the flowering and enjoy them for a long period.