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Hippeastrum Benfica

Hippeastrum Benfica
Amaryllis, Knight's-star-lily

4,6/5
10 reviews
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1 reviews
1 reviews
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I have just received my bulb, size 30/32, while it is indicated in the description size 36+. It's a bit disappointing! I doubt I will have as many stems and flowers with such a small-sized bulb. Promesse de Fleurs has always given me entire satisfaction.... But this time...

Annick, 03/11/2022

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

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This amaryllis stands out with the velvety texture of its large flared corollas, which enhances the exceptional depth of its red hue. The flower is illuminated by a lighter halo around a purple throat. An elegant variety, perfect for winter bouquets. Extra grade 36+ bulb.
Flower size
16 cm
Height at maturity
50 cm
Spread at maturity
20 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -1°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time November
Recommended planting time January to April, October to December
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Flowering time January to May, November to December
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Description

This beautiful Hippeastrum 'Benfica' bears flowers of a deep Bordeaux crimson, a colour that is both rare and exceptional, with the depth enhanced by the thick and velvety texture of the petals. The flower is illuminated by a lighter halo around a purple throat. An elegant variety, perfect in winter bouquets combined with fir green foliage or white flowers. Extra size 36+ bulb.

 

From the Amaryllidaceae family, hippeastrum is native to South and Central America. It is grown in pots in our latitudes and blooms indoors during Christmas. This excellent variety 'Benfica', introduced in 2001, was awarded in England by the Royal Horticultural Society. In full bloom, the plant reaches a height of 50cm (20in) (sometimes more) and forms a clump of leaves 30cm (12in) wide. The wide funnel-shaped flowers measure up to 16cm (6in) in diameter. This immense flowering consists of 6 wide and thick petals, of a very dark and velvety red. The heart of the flower is even darker, releasing a bouquet of long curved stamens of the same tone. 4 to 6 flowers decorate the top of one or two large and thick hollow stems. Positioned back-to-back, they form a unique composition together. The dark green and shiny leaves are deciduous and ribbon-like.

Planting an amaryllis is a very rewarding experience. Hippeastrum is very easy to grow and its growth is extremely rapid. The flowers bloom 6 to 10 weeks after planting. You can enjoy them throughout winter. Plant it at the beginning of November if you want to give it as a Christmas gift. Ideally, position it in the sun, in front of a window for example. Trim the stem when the flowers fade to promote floral regrowth. To accompany the 'Benfica' flowers, add branches of holly with red berries to your bouquet, as well as narcissus and white hyacinths whose flowering can be accelerated through forcing, for example.

 

The Latin name "Amaryllis" was the subject of heated discussions among botanists: originally, this name referred to another plant, similar in appearance and native to South Africa: Amaryllis belladonna. When Carl von Linne used this name to refer to it, as well as to the Hippeastrum (are you still following?), there was an outcry and the battle raged on until 1987 when the botanists decided: the Latin name Amaryllis is retained for the African species Belladonna but should no longer be used as the Latin name for Hippeastrum.

Keep the pot in a well-lit place. Keep it warm if you want to speed up flowering, or in a cooler room at 10°C (50°F) to slow it down. Adding fertiliser is unnecessary before flowering, but necessary afterwards to replenish the bulb's reserves.

  

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 20 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour red
Flowering time January to May, November to December
Flower size 16 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Hippeastrum

Cultivar

Benfica

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Other common names

Amaryllis, Knight's-star-lily

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

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Planting and care

You can plant amaryllis bulbs from October to the end of April. Choose a pot that is not too big (one or two cm larger than the size of the bulb). Place a layer of drainage at the bottom for proper water flow. Mix half potting soil, half garden soil. Only bury the bulb halfway. Place the pot in a warm and bright location. Water sparingly until the stem appears. Then water daily. Your bulbs will flower 6 to 8 weeks later.

If you choose multiple bulbs, plant them with a two-week interval to enjoy their beauty throughout winter.

After flowering, remove the faded flowers and let the leaves continue to grow. Continue to water regularly and give them indoor plant fertiliser every 15 days. This is when the bulb replenishes itself to prepare for next year's flowers. After 4 to 6 months, forget about your potted plants, and let them rest for about 3 months in a sheltered location. You can then trim the faded leaves, repot them in fresh soil, and start a new growing cycle.

 

Planting period

Best planting time November
Recommended planting time January to April, October to December

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -1°C (USDA zone 10a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, well-draining soil

Care

Pruning instructions Prune the faded flower stalks after flowering.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to April
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs to be stored
4,6/5
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