Hippeastrum 'Ferrari' is a spectacular red Amaryllis producing large, sumptuous flowers in an intense, bright scarlet-red. The broad, overlapping petals form impressive trumpet-shaped blooms, held proudly on tall, sturdy stems above fresh green foliage.

Bold, elegant and surprisingly easy to grow, 'Ferrari' makes a superb indoor feature during the winter and early spring months. A single well-grown bulb can produce several enormous flowers, making this an excellent choice for a windowsill, conservatory or as a living centrepiece in the home.

• Botanical name: Hippeastrum 'Ferrari'
• Common name: Amaryllis
• Plant type: Tender bulbous perennial
• Flower colour: Bright scarlet-red
• Flowering period: Winter to early spring when grown indoors
• Height: Approximately 45-60cm
• Spread: Approximately 20-30cm
• Position: Bright indoor position
• Hardiness: Tender – protect from frost
• Ideal for: Indoor pots, conservatories and winter displays

About Hippeastrum 'Ferrari'

'Ferrari' is a large-flowered Hippeastrum selected for its particularly strong red colouring. The substantial blooms have broad petals with a rich, almost velvety appearance, creating a dramatic display without the contrasting stripes or markings found on many other varieties.

The flowers develop on upright stems emerging directly from the large bulb. Their combination of size, vivid colour and relatively simple form makes 'Ferrari' one of the classic choices for anyone wanting a traditional red Amaryllis.

How to Plant Hippeastrum 'Ferrari'

Choose a sturdy pot only slightly larger than the bulb, as Hippeastrum perform well when relatively snug in their containers. Use a fertile but free-draining compost. A traditional mixture can be made using one part well-rotted manure, one part sand and two parts leaf mould, although a good-quality modern potting compost with added drainage material is also suitable.

Plant the bulb with approximately half of the bulb above the compost. Do not bury it completely. Water lightly after planting and place the pot somewhere warm and bright. Keep watering relatively sparingly until active growth is clearly visible, then increase watering as the stem and foliage develop.

Growing and Caring for Amaryllis 'Ferrari'

During active growth, keep the plant in a bright position and water when the surface of the compost begins to dry. Avoid leaving the pot standing permanently in water, as excessively wet compost can damage the bulb.

Turn the pot periodically as the flower stem grows. Hippeastrum naturally lean towards the strongest source of light, so rotating the pot helps encourage straighter growth.

Once the spectacular red flowers open, feeding can be paused. Removing individual faded blooms will keep the display looking tidy.

After Flowering

After flowering, remove the spent flower stalk but do not cut off healthy green leaves. The foliage is needed to replenish the bulb's energy reserves and is important if you want 'Ferrari' to flower again.

Resume feeding with a liquid fertiliser approximately every ten days while the plant is actively growing. Continue watering and feeding throughout the growing period while the foliage remains green.

Dormancy and Reflowering

Towards autumn, gradually reduce watering to encourage the bulb to enter its resting period. Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally before removing it. The dormant bulb should then be kept relatively dry until it begins its next growth cycle.

When new growth appears, gradually resume watering and return the pot to a warm, bright position. With good aftercare, Hippeastrum bulbs can be retained and encouraged to flower for many years.

Height and Spread

Hippeastrum 'Ferrari' typically reaches around 45-60cm in height when flowering and approximately 20-30cm in spread. Exact dimensions vary according to bulb size and growing conditions.

Why Grow Hippeastrum 'Ferrari'?

• Magnificent large, bright red flowers
• Classic red Amaryllis appearance
• Produces an impressive indoor winter display
• Easy to grow in containers
• Excellent for windowsills and conservatories
• Bulbs can be retained and encouraged to flower again

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hippeastrum 'Ferrari' an Amaryllis?
Yes. Although its botanical genus is Hippeastrum, plants such as 'Ferrari' are commonly known and sold as Amaryllis.

What colour is Amaryllis 'Ferrari'?
'Ferrari' produces large, intensely coloured bright red flowers with broad petals.

How tall does Hippeastrum 'Ferrari' grow?
It typically reaches approximately 45-60cm tall when in flower.

What is its spread?
A mature plant in a container will usually have a spread of approximately 20-30cm.

How deeply should I plant an Amaryllis 'Ferrari' bulb?
Plant it with approximately half of the bulb above the surface of the compost. The bulb should not be completely buried.

Should I cut off the leaves after flowering?
No. Keep healthy foliage growing and feed the plant regularly after flowering. The leaves recharge the bulb for its next flowering cycle. Allow them to die back naturally as the plant enters dormancy.

Can Hippeastrum 'Ferrari' grow outdoors in the UK?
Hippeastrum is tender and not reliably frost hardy in the UK. 'Ferrari' is best grown as an indoor or conservatory plant where it can remain protected from cold temperatures.

With its enormous, vivid red blooms, Hippeastrum 'Ferrari' delivers exactly the dramatic display expected from a classic Amaryllis. It is an excellent choice for bringing rich colour into the home during the darker months of the year.