How to Grow Amaryllis Red Lion
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Amaryllis Red Lion
Hippeastrum × hybridum 'Red Lion'
flowerRed Lion is a hybrid amaryllis cultivar prized for its vibrant deep red, star-shaped flowers with prominent stamens that bloom on tall, sturdy stems. This tender bulb is a popular indoor ornamental, especially during winter holidays, and produces large trumpet-like blooms that can reach 6 inches across. It's commonly grown as a container plant and can also be cultivated outdoors in warm climates.
When should you plant Amaryllis Red Lion in your zone?
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Example Amaryllis Red Lion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Amaryllis Red Lion
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Amaryllis Red Lion blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Amaryllis Red Lion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 9b-11 for outdoor growing; widely grown indoors in containers in all zones
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Dormancy
4-6 weeksBulb is at rest with minimal visible growth; may appear dried out or inactive
Store in cool, dry location (50-60°F ideal); reduce watering significantly; allow 4-6 weeks of dormancy after flowering
Sprouting & Leaf Growth
3-4 weeksGreen shoots emerge from the bulb top; long, strap-like leaves develop and grow vigorously
Place in bright light to encourage strong stems; maintain consistent moisture; feed with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks
Budding & Stem Elongation
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at the stem tip; tall flower stalks (24-36 inches) develop with multiple buds clustered at top
Support tall stems with stakes if needed; continue bright light; increase phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering
Flowering
3-6 weeksLarge, deep red star-shaped flowers open sequentially, each bloom lasting 1-2 weeks; 4-6 flowers per stem typical
Maintain moderate moisture; avoid direct hot sun which may fade color; keep away from ethylene-producing fruits; enjoy the display
Post-Bloom & Preparation for Rest
4-8 weeksFlowers fade and drop; foliage remains green; seed pods may develop if flowers were pollinated
Remove spent flowers to redirect energy to bulb; continue fertilizing until foliage yellows; gradually reduce watering to induce dormancy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray leaves with water; use insecticidal soap or miticide if severe
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Isolate plant; remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
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Manually remove with brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid wetting foliage; remove infected parts; improve air circulation; use fungicide if needed
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Remove beetles by hand; check bulbs upon purchase; apply pyrethrin-based insecticide if infestation occurs
Uses
Ornamental (non-edible)
CulinaryWhile not consumed, Red Lion amaryllis is prized as a spectacular floral centerpiece and cut flower for holiday arrangements and formal displays. [source]
Holiday & Indoor Decoration
HouseholdRed Lion is a signature winter holiday plant, especially around Christmas and Valentine's Day, bringing dramatic red blooms indoors when outdoor gardens are dormant. Potted plants make elegant gifts and table centerpieces. [source]
Floral Arrangements & Design
CraftThe large, dramatic red flowers are highly valued by florists and flower arrangers for wedding bouquets, event decorations, and artistic floral compositions. [source]
Pollinator Attraction (Outdoor)
WildlifeWhen grown outdoors in warm zones, amaryllis flowers attract hummingbirds and bees with their nectar and striking red color. [source]
Traditional & Ornamental Ethnobotany
MedicinalVarious Hippeastrum species have been used in traditional medicine systems, though Red Lion is primarily valued as an ornamental rather than for medicinal purposes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Amaryllis flowers are cut-flower worthy: harvest blooms with sharp scissors when first flowers open on the spike; place in vase with fresh water and floral preservative; blooms last 1-2 weeks in a vase. For bulb harvesting and propagation: allow foliage to mature fully after flowering, then cut back; dig bulbs in fall before frost in cool zones; store in cool, dry location for dormancy period before replanting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Lion amaryllis bulbs were developed through intensive hybridization in the Netherlands, the global center of amaryllis breeding, and represent decades of selection for larger flowers and deeper red coloration.
- 🌱 A single mature Red Lion bulb can produce two or more flower spikes in succession if properly cared for, potentially offering multiple blooming cycles per season.
- 🌱 Amaryllis bulbs can live for decades if maintained properly—some indoor specimens have bloomed reliably for 20+ years with appropriate dormancy periods and good care.
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