How to Grow Hippeastrum Picotee
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Hippeastrum Picotee
Hippeastrum × hybridum 'Picotee'
flowerHippeastrum Picotee is a stunning hybrid amaryllis cultivar known for its large, trumpet-shaped white flowers with distinctive red or crimson picotee (edge) markings. This tender bulbous perennial produces dramatic blooms on tall stems and is primarily grown as an indoor potted plant. It's prized by ornamental gardeners for its striking appearance and relative ease of care.
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Example Hippeastrum Picotee timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hippeastrum Picotee
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 Hippeastrum Picotee blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; best grown indoors or in containers in cooler climates
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Dormancy/Rest Period
6-8 weeksBulb is stored dry or in minimal moisture; foliage has died back completely
Store bulbs in cool, dry location (50-60°F) for 6-8 weeks; provide minimal water; this rest period is crucial for triggering flowering
Sprouting/Early Growth
2-3 weeksPale shoots emerge from bulb nose; first true leaves appear; growth is rapid
Increase watering gradually as growth begins; move to warm location (70°F+); provide bright light; fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks
Vegetative/Bud Formation
3-4 weeksMultiple tall stems develop with strap-like green leaves; flower buds form at stem tips
Maintain consistent warmth and bright light; water regularly to keep soil lightly moist; stake stems if needed to support heavy flower buds; fertilize with high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming
Flowering
2-4 weeksLarge, fragrant white trumpet flowers with red picotee edges bloom in clusters of 2-6 per stem
Maintain moderate moisture; keep away from heat sources and drafts; flowers last 2-3 weeks; pinch off flowers as they fade to extend bloom period; rotate pot for even growth
Post-Flowering/Foliage Development
2-3 monthsFlowers fade and drop; plant focuses energy on developing strong foliage for next season's bulb strength
Continue watering and fertilizing; allow leaves to grow fully and remain green for 2-3 months; this builds energy reserves in the bulb; gradually reduce water in late summer to trigger dormancy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity by misting leaves; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate affected plant; improve air circulation
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with neem oil; improve air circulation to prevent reinfestation
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Scrape off manually with soft brush; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; repeat treatments at 2-week intervals
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Inspect for orange-red beetles and remove by hand; treat foliage with pyrethrin-based insecticide; remove affected foliage
Uses
Not for consumption
CulinaryHippeastrum is ornamental only and not suitable for culinary use. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdThe dramatic white and red flowers are stunning in fresh arrangements and command attention as a statement piece. Flowers are long-lasting in water and make excellent gifts. [source]
Indoor container gardening
HouseholdHippeastrum Picotee is ideal for indoor cultivation on windowsills, desks, or in living spaces. The potted bulb system requires minimal space and fits easily into contemporary and traditional home décor. [source]
Floral design and festivals
CraftThe striking flowers are popular with florists for wedding arrangements, holiday displays, and special events. The species is often featured in spring flower festivals and garden shows. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeWhen grown in warm outdoor climates, Hippeastrum flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Indoor blooms provide visual interest but offer limited wildlife benefit. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers when the first or second bud on the stem is beginning to open; cut stem at an angle just above soil level; place immediately in cool water with floral preservative; flowers will continue opening in the vase and last 2-3 weeks; deadhead faded flowers to encourage new blooms
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hippeastrum 'Picotee' is sometimes confused with Amaryllis belladonna (true amaryllis), but they are entirely different plants; Hippeastrum is a New World genus while Amaryllis is from South Africa.
- 🌱 The name 'Picotee' comes from a French term meaning 'pricked edge,' referring to the fine colored edge markings on the white petals that look delicately hand-painted.
- 🌱 A single Hippeastrum bulb can produce multiple flower stems in succession if properly cared for, and with correct dormancy periods, the same bulb can reliably rebloom year after year for 10+ years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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