Once again!

I think this is the fourth time I've Blipped this Hippeastrum x acramanii  or at least one of its siblings, but I think it's so spectacular and such a surprise to find that several of these bulbs have come through two or three winters outside in pots. I have kept them under the eaves of the house so giving them protection at least from the worst of the rain, but it's fun to find that they will survive outside, as they did at Arduaine over a number of winters. (If I believed my spellcheck this plant would be called Strumpet x panamanian!)

The big colourful ones given as presents at Christmas are less likely to be hardy, but if you want to get rid of them from the house then why not try planting them out in the spring in a sheltered place such as at the foot of the house wall. If they die, then too bad, if they survive, then wow!

I can't let this opportunity go by, again, without saying that these Christmas bulbs are not amaryllis, as sold, which are South African, but hippeastrum, from South America!