Hippeastrum (amaryllis) Hippeastrum hybrids
Hippeastrum (amaryllis) (Hippeastrum hybrids) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Tropical and subtropical South America (Andes of Peru, Brazil). It grows 40–70 cm (16–28 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Hippeastrum (amaryllis) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Hippeastrum (amaryllis) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Mature height | 40–70 cm (16–28 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical and subtropical South America (Andes of Peru, Brazil) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Hippeastrum (amaryllis) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: bulbs, all parts
Contains lycorine and other alkaloids; the bulb causes vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and tremors.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Hippeastrum (amaryllis)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Hippeastrum (amaryllis)
- How far apart should I plant Hippeastrum (amaryllis)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Hippeastrum (amaryllis) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Hippeastrum (amaryllis) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Hippeastrum (amaryllis)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Hippeastrum (amaryllis) flower?
- From about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Hippeastrum (amaryllis) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains lycorine and other alkaloids; the bulb causes vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and tremors.
- What grows well with Hippeastrum (amaryllis)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hippeastrum (amaryllis). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Outdoors only in about zone 8 or warmer; elsewhere grown in pots and brought in for winter.
- Leaves die back or rest in the cool or dry season.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Onion Allium cepa
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Garlic Allium sativum
- Leek Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group)
- Chives Allium schoenoprasum
- Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
- Ornamental allium Allium giganteum
- Shallot Allium cepa var. aggregatum