bulb corm tuber

Queen Amaryllis

The Story

Plant Bio

Hippeastrum reginae, commonly known as the queen amaryllis, is a tender bulbous geophyte native to northern South America. It produces stout, hollow, upright flower stems alongside a basal rosette of medium to dark green, strap-shaped leaves.

This species is distinguished by its large, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of red or pink, featuring a prominent greenish-white star-shaped pattern in the throat. Unlike many modern hybrid amaryllis, it retains the elegant, slightly nodding form of the wild species.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, showy, funnel-shaped red flowers with a contrasting star-shaped throat, making it a highly valued winter-blooming indoor specimen.

Well-suited for container culture, allowing gardeners in cold climates to easily move the plant indoors for winter protection.

Attracts hummingbirds and large pollinators when grown outdoors during its active flowering season.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

24"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate during growth, dry in dormancy

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northern South America

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a heavy pot only one to two inches wider than the bulb to provide the snug environment these plants prefer.
Plant the bulb in a highly fertile, exceptionally well-draining potting mix, ensuring the top third of the bulb remains above the soil surface.
Water sparingly until active green growth emerges, then transition to regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
Provide bright indirect light indoors, or place in a spot with protection from harsh afternoon sun if grown outdoors in warm climates.
Withhold water entirely in late summer or early fall for two to three months to induce the dry dormancy required for winter or spring flowering.

Pro Tip

Always leave the upper one-third to one-half of the bulb exposed above the soil line when potting; burying the bulb completely or overwatering during its autumn dormancy prevents reblooming and triggers basal rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Allow the foliage to die back naturally to recharge the bulb for the next flowering cycle.
Ensure the potting medium drains rapidly to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
Provide bright, filtered sunlight to encourage strong stem development and prevent flopping.

Don't

Do not bury the entire bulb beneath the soil surface.
Do not water the bulb during its mandatory two-to-three-month dry dormancy period.
Do not cut green, active leaves back prematurely.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Lift Store
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Container specimenWarm-climate bordersIndoor winter forcing

Companion Plants

Clivia miniata Adiantum capillus-veneris Caladium bicolor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Queen Amaryllis questions

What zones can Queen Amaryllis grow in?

Queen Amaryllis is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Queen Amaryllis bloom?

Queen Amaryllis typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Queen Amaryllis need full sun?

Queen Amaryllis does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Queen Amaryllis drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Queen Amaryllis handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.