Hippeastrum 'Red Pearl' is an intense, deep velvety red cultivar of Amaryllis with a darker throat. A "new" variety, individual 'Red Pearl' bulbs are selling for a little more than $10 each from the Dutch originator.

Hippeastrum used to be included in the genus Amaryllis until the 1930s. It seems Linneaus gave the name to a bulbous plant, but later, taxonomists could not figure out if the specimen he named originated in South Africa or South America. Because the argument could not be resolved scientifically, the taxonomists adopted a resolution assigning the name Amaryllis to plants from South Africa and used the name Hippeastrum for the species originating in South America.

Whether called Hippeastrum or Amaryllis (now used only as a common name), these plants provide an easy-to-grow option for Chicago area gardeners who are craving a bit of color during the winter doldrums. Offered in the fall as bare root bulbs or already potted up, they typically come into flower approximately 6 to 10 weeks after they are watered and begin growth. If the bulbs are purchased bare root, plant them with the neck exposed just above soil level in a container at least 1" wider than that of the bulb in any commercially available prepared soil containing primarily peat moss. Water once well to settle the soil and moisturize the roots (important - do not remove the dried roots from the base of the bulb before planting) and hold in a dark coolish location until 10 to 12 weeks before flowers are desired. Ten to twelve weeks out, bring the plant into a warm, well lite environment and water well. The bloom spike will shoot up from the bulb quickly and arch towards the direction of the greatest light so be sure the rotate the pot daily to ensure the flower stalk is more or less upright (staking is often needed). Once flowering is complete, continue to grow the bulb in a warm, bright location until the danger of the last frost is past. Place pot outdoors and fertilize with a dilute solution of a well balanced fertilizer throughout the summer. As the days begin to shorten and temperatures drop in the fall gradually reduce water to send the plant into dormancy.

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