The garden amaryllis continues with brilliant flowers in summer what the Amaryllis belladonna celebrates in winter as a houseplant. This circumstance raises questions about proper cultivation. Explore compact, practical answers to how to properly care for and plant a Crinum here.
How do I care for and plant a garden amaryllis?
To successfully plant and care for a garden amaryllis, choose a sunny, wind-protected location in May, plant the bulb at an angle, only water when the soil is dry, and fertilize with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) and horn shavings. Dig up onions before frost and store them frost-free.
When is planting time?
In May the time corridor for planting a garden amaryllis opens. In harsh winter locations, the planting season starts in mid-May, when the risk of delayed ground frost has passed.
Which location does the garden amaryllis prefer?
Immigrated from the sun-drenched regions of South Africa, the hook lily would like to take its place in this location:
- Sunny, warm and sheltered location
- Fresh, moist soil with good drainage
- Nutritious soil, humus and loose
So that the majestic funnel flowers do not languish under the blazing sun, preferably choose a location with light shade at midday.
What should you pay attention to when planting?
The pivotal point of correct planting is a slightly slanted to horizontal orientation of the flower bulb. Please plant a garden amaryllis so deep that the bulb neck can still be seen. This technique ensures that no water gets inside via the tip of the bulb and destroys any hope of flowering.
How do I water and fertilize the hook lily correctly?
The water and nutrient balance of a garden amaryllis is geared towards moderation. Only water the tropical flower grace when the soil on the surface has dried thoroughly. Fertilization is preferably done with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) and horn shavings. From May to July, work the organic material lightly into the soil and water every 2 weeks.
Is the garden amaryllis hardy?
Temperatures well below freezing will reliably kill any garden amaryllis. Therefore, dig up the flower bulbs before the first frost so that they can be kept dark, dry and frost-free over the winter. If the tubers remain in the pot substrate throughout the winter, water them every now and then so that they do not dry out completely.
Tip
As a sterile hybrid Crinum powellii, the garden amaryllis cannot be propagated by sowing. This fact is of little concern as the flower bulb diligently produces daughter bulbs. To breed additional specimens, cut off the breeding bulbs in autumn or spring. Planted in nutrient-rich, loose substrate, they transform into magnificent young plants in no time.
