How to Grow Amaryllis Red Lion

Amaryllis Red Lion

Hippeastrum × hybridum 'Red Lion'

flower

Red 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.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Bright indirect light, 6-8 hours daily; benefits from some direct morning sun during growth phase

💧

Water: Water moderately when soil surface becomes dry; reduce watering during dormancy. Avoid waterlogging, which causes bulb rot. Resume regular watering when new growth emerges in spring.

📏

Spacing: 8 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-90 days from planting to first bloom

🌱

Planting depth: Upper third of bulb should remain above soil surface; plant with pointed end up

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting mix, preferably a blend of peat moss, perlite, and coconut coir

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Perlite for drainage Aged compost or orchid bark Sand for additional drainage if needed

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 9b-11 for outdoor growing; widely grown indoors in containers in all zones

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Dormancy

4-6 weeks

Bulb 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 weeks

Green 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 weeks

Flower 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 weeks

Large, 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 weeks

Flowers 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:

Cyclamen Paperwhite narcissus Christmas cactus Poinsettia Kalanchoe

Avoid planting near:

Ethylene-producing fruits (apples, bananas) Strong-scented herbs that may mask fragrance appreciation

Common Pests

Increase humidity; spray leaves with water; use insecticidal soap or miticide if severe
Isolate plant; remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
Manually remove with brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid wetting foliage; remove infected parts; improve air circulation; use fungicide if needed
Remove beetles by hand; check bulbs upon purchase; apply pyrethrin-based insecticide if infestation occurs

Uses

🍳

Ornamental (non-edible)

Culinary

While 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

Household

Red 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

Craft

The 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)

Wildlife

When grown outdoors in warm zones, amaryllis flowers attract hummingbirds and bees with their nectar and striking red color. [source]

💊

Traditional & Ornamental Ethnobotany

Medicinal

Various 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.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free