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Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Desire'

'Desire' is a deciduous, bulbous perennial with long, strap-shaped leaves, and from winter into early spring, large, salmon-red flowers with darker orange-red veining borne on stout stems to 60cm high

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Orange Red Green
Summer
Autumn
Winter Orange Red Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical 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
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Pot newly purchased bulbs from October to January so that two-thirds of the bulb remains above the surface and water in well. The appearance of leaves will signify that root activity has started and regular watering can begin. A good supply of water is required as soon as growth becomes vigorous with a temperature ideally in the region of 15-18°C and a sunny position. See hippeastrum cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by removing offsets in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to bulb scale mite, large narcissus bulb fly and slugs and snails throughout the summer months

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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