How to Grow Hippeastrum Red Lion
Wikimedia Commons
Hippeastrum Red Lion
Hippeastrum × hybridum 'Red Lion'
flowerRed Lion is a stunning hybrid amaryllis cultivar prized for its large, deep crimson-red trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom on tall, sturdy stems. This bulbous perennial produces dramatic flowers in spring and is commonly grown as an indoor houseplant, though it can also be cultivated outdoors in warm climates. Each bulb typically produces one or more flowering stems with multiple blooms per stem.
When should you plant Hippeastrum Red Lion in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Hippeastrum Red Lion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Hippeastrum Red Lion
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Hippeastrum Red Lion blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hippeastrum Red Lion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 9b-11 outdoors; grown indoors in pots in cooler climates
Sign up free to see if Hippeastrum Red Lion grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Hippeastrum Red Lion timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Pre-planting
8-12 weeksBulb is dormant and may be chilled (8 weeks at 41-50°F) to trigger flowering. Bulb appears firm and papery-skinned.
Store in cool, dry location. Chilling breaks dormancy and promotes robust flowering. Do not allow to freeze.
Sprouting
1-2 weeksAfter planting and watering, a green shoot emerges from the bulb neck within 1-2 weeks. Initial leaf growth is rapid.
Provide bright light immediately. Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Maintain 65-75°F for best results.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksLong, strap-like green leaves develop alongside a thick flowering stem. The stem elongates rapidly and may reach 12-24 inches tall.
Support tall stems with stakes if needed. Maintain bright light and moderate watering. Fertilize weekly with balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar).
Flowering
3-4 weeks (individual flowers last 5-7 days)Large trumpet-shaped flowers (4-6 inches across) open sequentially on the stem, displaying deep crimson-red petals. Typically 2-6 flowers per stem.
Reduce watering slightly during blooming. Keep away from drafts and extreme heat. Fertilize every 2 weeks. Flowers last 2-3 weeks per bloom.
Post-flowering & Dormancy
6-12 weeksAfter flowers fade, foliage continues to grow and mature. Eventually leaves yellow and die back completely.
Continue watering and fertilizing until leaves fully yellow (6-8 weeks). This replenishes the bulb for next season. Reduce light and water gradually. Move to cool (50-60°F), dry location for dormancy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation occurs. Isolate affected plant.
-
Remove with cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spray with insecticidal soap. Inspect regularly and quarantine new plants.
-
Scrape off manually with a soft brush. Spray with horticultural oil. Repeat treatments every 7-10 days if needed.
-
Allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Use sticky traps to monitor. Apply neem oil drench if severe.
-
Prevent by using well-draining soil and avoiding waterlogging. Remove infected bulbs. Ensure good air circulation around plants. Use sterile tools.
Uses
Ornamental Use Only
CulinaryHippeastrum is not edible and should not be consumed. It is purely ornamental. All parts (bulb, leaves, flowers) contain toxic compounds. [source]
Indoor Decoration & Gift Bulbs
HouseholdRed Lion is extremely popular as a potted houseplant and as pre-planted gift bulbs for holidays and special occasions. Its dramatic red blooms make it a stunning focal point in homes and offices. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe tall stems with large dramatic flowers are ideal for fresh floral arrangements, bouquets, and decorative displays. Long vase life (10-14 days) makes it practical for arrangements. [source]
Traditional Medicine (Not Recommended)
MedicinalWhile used in some traditional medicine systems, Hippeastrum contains toxic alkaloids and is not safe for human consumption or medical use without professional guidance. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe large, colorful flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators when grown outdoors in warm zones, supporting local ecosystems. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower stems when the first bud shows color, using clean sharp scissors. Place cut stems in a vase with cool water and floral preservative. Change water every 2-3 days. Blooms last 10-14 days in a vase. To encourage reblooming next season, allow foliage to mature fully and bulb to go dormant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Hippeastrum' comes from Greek words meaning 'knight's star,' referring to the star-shaped arrangement of the flower parts.
- 🌱 Red Lion bulbs can be forced to bloom indoors in as little as 30 days from planting, making them popular as impulse purchases and holiday gifts.
- 🌱 A single Red Lion bulb can live and rebloom for 5-10+ years with proper care and dormancy periods, becoming increasingly vigorous with age.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Hippeastrum Red Lion planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Hippeastrum Red Lion seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Hippeastrum Red Lion timeline →