{"product_id":"hippeastrum-chico-bulbs","title":"Hippeastrum 'Chico' Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHippeastrum 'Chico'\u003c\/strong\u003e is an extraordinary \u003cstrong\u003eSpider Amaryllis\u003c\/strong\u003e with exotic, almost orchid-like flowers quite unlike the familiar large, trumpet-shaped Amaryllis. Long, narrow petals sweep backwards like the wings of a bird, combining \u003cstrong\u003edeep burgundy-red, ivory white and soft green\u003c\/strong\u003e to create a spectacular architectural bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCommonly known as Amaryllis, Hippeastrum are superb indoor bulbs and 'Chico' makes an especially unusual choice. Its elegant flowers are carried on tall, sturdy stems and make a dramatic feature during the winter and early spring months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHippeastrum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Chico'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Amaryllis \/ Spider Amaryllis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tender bulbous perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Burgundy-red, ivory white and soft green\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering period:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically winter to early spring when grown indoors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 45-60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 20-30cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright indoor position with indirect light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tender – protect from frost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indoor pots, conservatories and unusual winter displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Hippeastrum 'Chico'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Chico' belongs to the distinctive group of Hippeastrum often referred to as \u003cstrong\u003eSpider Amaryllis\u003c\/strong\u003e. Rather than producing broad overlapping petals, its flowers have long, slender segments which curve and twist backwards. This gives each bloom a light, almost airborne appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe colouring makes the flowers even more striking. Rich burgundy-red runs through the narrow petals, contrasting beautifully with paler ivory and green tones towards the centre. Long projecting stamens add to the exotic appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Hippeastrum 'Chico' Indoors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the bulb in a pot only slightly wider than the bulb itself, using a good-quality, free-draining compost. Position the bulb so that the \u003cstrong\u003eupper third remains above the surface\u003c\/strong\u003e of the compost rather than burying it completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter planting, water sparingly until active growth begins. Once the flower stem and leaves are developing strongly, increase watering while allowing excess water to drain freely. Avoid leaving the pot standing in water, as consistently wet compost can cause the bulb to rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the pot somewhere warm and bright. Turning it occasionally as the flower stem develops can help keep the growth upright rather than leaning strongly towards the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding and Aftercare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce flowering has finished, remove the spent flower stem but \u003cstrong\u003eleave the foliage intact\u003c\/strong\u003e. The leaves are essential because they allow the bulb to replenish its energy reserves for the following year's flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFeed approximately every ten days with a suitable liquid fertiliser during active growth after flowering. Continue watering and feeding while the foliage remains healthy and green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eEncouraging Hippeastrum to Flower Again\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTowards autumn, gradually reduce watering as the plant approaches dormancy. The foliage can be removed once it naturally yellows and dies back. Keep the dormant bulb relatively dry and allow it a resting period before bringing it back into active growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen fresh growth begins, resume watering gradually and move the pot back into a warm, bright position. With suitable feeding and a proper dormant period, established bulbs can provide impressive displays for many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeight and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHippeastrum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Chico' typically reaches approximately \u003cstrong\u003e45-60cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e when flowering, with a spread of around \u003cstrong\u003e20-30cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. Growth can vary depending on bulb size and growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Hippeastrum 'Chico'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtraordinary spider-like flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong, recurved petals create a distinctive bird-like shape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautiful combination of burgundy, ivory and soft green\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuch more unusual than traditional Amaryllis varieties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent statement plant for indoor pots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides colour during the winter and early spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBulbs can be grown and encouraged to flower again in future years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hippeastrum 'Chico' an Amaryllis?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Hippeastrum are commonly sold and grown under the name Amaryllis, although botanically they belong to the genus \u003cem\u003eHippeastrum\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat colour is Hippeastrum 'Chico'?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe unusual flowers combine deep burgundy-red with ivory white and soft green tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Hippeastrum 'Chico' grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFlowering plants typically reach approximately 45-60cm tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is its spread?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nExpect a mature spread of approximately 20-30cm when grown in a pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I completely bury an Amaryllis bulb?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Plant the bulb with approximately the upper third remaining above the surface of the compost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I cut the leaves off after flowering?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Leave the foliage growing after flowering and feed the plant regularly. The leaves replenish the bulb and help produce flowers the following season. Remove them only as they naturally die back before dormancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Hippeastrum 'Chico' be grown outside in the UK?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is a tender plant and is best treated as an indoor or conservatory bulb in the UK. It should not be exposed to frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor anyone looking for an Amaryllis with something genuinely different, \u003cstrong\u003eHippeastrum 'Chico'\u003c\/strong\u003e is an exceptional choice. Its slender, swept-back petals and unusual burgundy, ivory and green colouring give it an exotic character that makes a spectacular indoor centrepiece.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Bulb","offer_id":62373051924867,"sku":"JA-H5120","price":19.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373051957635,"sku":"JA-H5120x10","price":119.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Bulbs","offer_id":62373051990403,"sku":"JA-H5120x100","price":1099.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/H5120_Hippeastrum_Chico.webp?v=1789999200","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/hippeastrum-chico-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}