Red Lion
‘Red Lion’ is a large-flowered amaryllis cultivar in the Galaxy Group. It is known for uniform, vivid crimson blooms on upright stems. Best performance in North America is indoors as a winter‑flowering pot plant. Stems commonly reach about 24 in tall and carry multiple flowers per scape. Expect flowering roughly 6-8 weeks after planting under warm, bright conditions. In frost‑free zones it can be grown outdoors, but most regions treat it as a houseplant.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Galaxy Group
- Height × spread: 20–24 in × 8–12 in (50–60 cm × 20–30 cm)
- Bloom window: About 6–8 weeks after planting; typically Dec–Mar indoors
- Color & flower form: Solid crimson, large single trumpets
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: Hardy outdoors in USDA 8–10 in mild climates; otherwise grown as a seasonal houseplant in colder areas.
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit (2012)
- Cut‑flower notes: Hollow stems; handle gently and stake if needed; typical vase life about 8–14 days under cool, clean conditions.
- Pet safety: avoid (toxic to pets; bulbs most toxic)
How it differs
- Deeper, uniform red than many mixed or bicolors on the pillar page.
- Taller scapes around 24 in help flowers clear the foliage.
- Often 4–5 blooms per stem, creating a fuller display.
- Classic Galaxy Group look rather than double or spider forms.
Strengths
- Reliable indoor bloomer in 6–8 weeks after planting.
- Bold color shows well in low‑light winter interiors.
- Widely available and recognized by RHS AGM.
- Performs well as a cut stem when conditioned.
Care in one minute
- SITE & LIGHT: Bright, indirect light indoors; full sun to part sun outdoors in warm zones.
- SOIL: Well‑drained, peat‑free potting mix; plant with top third of bulb above the mix.
- WATER: Water sparingly until growth starts, then keep evenly moist; never leave in standing water.
- FEED: Begin balanced liquid feed after flowering while leaves grow to recharge the bulb.
- SUPPORT: Stake tall scapes; rotate the pot weekly to prevent leaning.
- OVERWINTER: For winter bloom next year, provide a 6–10 week rest period cool and dry, then repot and restart.
Watch‑outs
- Heavy flowers can lean toward light; rotate pot and stake if needed.
- Overwatering can cause bulb rot; ensure sharp drainage.
- Not hardy in freezing climates; protect from frost.
- Toxic to pets if chewed, especially the bulb.
Best uses (tags)
containers, indoor forcing, cutting, holiday display
Provenance note
A long‑distributed Dutch hybrid widely listed by the RHS; specific breeder and year are not publicly verified.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) ‘Red Lion’ profile
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Hippeastrum (group) profile
- RHS – AGM Ornamentals list (2015)
- ASPCA – Hippeastrum (Ridderstjerne) toxicity
- NC State (HortScans) – Holly, Jolly Hippeastrum (vase life)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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