Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Apple Blossom'
A virtually fool-proof bulb, most commonly seen as a Christmas pot plant. Large, showy, pink-streaked white flowers are held on stout stems. The bigger the bulb the more flowers will be produced
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | White Pink | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Hippeastrum are deciduous bulbous perennials with slightly fleshy, strap-shaped leaves and stout, leafless stems bearing umbels of large, funnel-shaped flowers usually in winter or spring
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant from October to January using peat-free John Innes No.2 into pots a little larger than the bulb itself. Two-thirds of the bulb should remain above the surface. Place in a well-lit spot at 21°C. Water sparingly until the new leaves develop and then start watering regularly. Turn the pot regularly to prevent the flower stem from bending toward the light. Once in flower, move the pot to a cool room to extend the flowering period. See Hippeastrum cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as fresh as possible in spring. Seed-raised plants may take up to 6 years to flower. May also be propagated by separating offsets from the main bulb
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Cut flowers
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to bulb scale mite and narcissus bulb fly
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.