Amaryllis 'Double King'

CHF 23.95

Amaryllis 'Double King'

Name: Amaryllis 'Double King'
Brand: Hippeastrum
Price: 23.95 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) 'Double King'

CHF 23.95

Densely double, deep red flowers
Flowers up to 25 cm across
Dark, purple-red stems
Flowers from December to February
About 50–60 cm tall

'Double King' bears its name for good reason. The deep red, densely double flowers grow up to 25 cm across and consist of many layers of velvety petals. They sit on dark stems and flower from December to February. A splendid decoration for the festive season and a lovely gift.

About this variety

Double amaryllis are the roses among Hippeastrum, and 'Double King' is one of the most impressive of them. Each flower consists of several layers of deep red petals that build up into a lush shape. Occasionally the tips show a fine hint of white. The stems are dark purple to garnet red and underline the rich colour.

At 50–60 cm tall, the plant is a stately presence on the windowsill, sideboard or festive table. A heavy pot in ceramic or zinc gives it the stability it needs. With fir sprigs, cones and gold accents, the red fits perfectly into the Christmas season. In a modern, minimalist room it also looks like a living work of art.

In the vase, a double flower stem lasts up to two weeks. Some enthusiasts notice a delicate scent. Because the flowers are so heavy, a thin stick for support is worthwhile. Well cared for, the bulb produces new flowers for many years.

Planting

Plant the bulb between October and January in a pot with a 2–3 cm margin around the bulb. The top half to a third stays above the soil so the bulb does not rot. A bright, warm windowsill is ideal. Keep the soil only slightly moist until growth starts, then water more. Turn the pot now and then so the stem grows straight.

Care

For the bulb to flower again next year, leave the leaves after flowering and give the plant water and liquid feed until summer. From August stop watering and put the pot somewhere cool and dry. After about eight to ten weeks of rest, bring it back into the warmth. Please note that all parts of the plant are toxic: not edible, keep away from children and pets.

Specifications

Botanical name: Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) 'Double King'
Genus: Amaryllis
Class: Fully double
Flower colour: Red
Flower size: 25 cm
Fragrant: No
Flowering time: January, February, December
Flowering season: Late winter, Winter
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Height: 55 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Position: Sun, Partial shade
Suitable for: Pot and container, Cutting garden
Soil type: Loamy, Sandy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Planting time: October, November, December, January
Planting depth: Bulb one third to half above the soil
Spacing: One per pot, 2–3 cm from the rim
Number per m²: 7
Hardiness in Switzerland: Not hardy, overwinter frost-free
Hardiness by location: Not hardy, overwinter frost-free
Hardiness zone (USDA): 9–11
Overwintering note: Not reliably hardy outdoors in Switzerland. Depending on the plant, lift tubers, bulbs or rhizomes in time or overwinter the container frost-free.
For containers: Only partly suitable for containers
Container note: Only recommended in a sufficiently large, stable, well-drained container.
Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Not suitable
Naturalising note: Persists for several years in a suitable spot, but does not normally spread over larger areas on its own.
For bees and butterflies: Not attractive to pollinators
Toxicity: Not edible and possibly harmful. Keep away from children and pets.