Hippeastrum 'Gervase' is a striking large-flowered Amaryllis with impressive blooms in shades of deep rose-red and pink. Each broad petal is beautifully patterned with darker rose-red veining and stripes against a paler pink background, giving every flower a slightly different appearance.
Its richly patterned blooms are carried on strong, upright stems above fresh green foliage, creating an eye-catching indoor display during the winter and early spring. 'Gervase' is an excellent choice if you want something more unusual than a traditional single-coloured Amaryllis while retaining the enormous flowers for which Hippeastrum are famous.
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Botanical name: Hippeastrum 'Gervase'
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Common name: Amaryllis
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Plant type: Tender bulbous perennial
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Flower colour: Deep rose-red and pink, with darker veining
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Flowering period: Winter to early spring when grown indoors
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Height: Approximately 45-60cm
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Spread: Approximately 20-30cm
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Position: Bright indoor position
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Hardiness: Tender – protect from frost
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Ideal for: Indoor pots, windowsills and conservatories
About Hippeastrum 'Gervase'
The main attraction of 'Gervase' is its beautiful variation in colour. Rather than being uniformly pink, the broad petals are washed and streaked with different intensities of rose-red and softer pink. Fine darker veins run along the petals, while paler areas provide additional contrast.
The large, trumpet-shaped flowers open in clusters at the top of substantial stems. Several flowers can be open together, creating a particularly impressive display. The intricate markings also mean the flowers reward close inspection as well as providing plenty of colour from across a room.
How to Plant Hippeastrum 'Gervase'
Choose a sturdy container only slightly wider than the bulb and fill it with a fertile, free-draining compost. A traditional growing mixture consists of one part well-rotted manure, one part sand and two parts leaf mould. Alternatively, use a good-quality potting compost with additional drainage material.
Plant the bulb with approximately half of the bulb remaining above the surface. Hippeastrum bulbs should not be completely buried. Water lightly after planting and place the pot somewhere warm and bright.
Water sparingly at first. As the flower stem and leaves begin to develop strongly, watering can gradually be increased. Always allow excess water to drain away and avoid leaving the pot standing in water.
Growing Amaryllis 'Gervase' Indoors
A bright position with plenty of indirect light will help produce strong, healthy growth. As Hippeastrum flower stems naturally grow towards the strongest light source, turn the pot regularly to encourage a straight, balanced stem.
Once the flowers open, slightly cooler conditions can help prolong the display. Individual faded blooms can be removed to keep the plant looking its best.
Feeding and Aftercare
Once flowering has finished, remove the spent flower stem but retain all healthy green foliage. The leaves photosynthesise and rebuild the bulb's energy reserves, helping it produce another display in the future.
Feed with a suitable liquid fertiliser approximately every ten days during active growth after flowering. Continue watering and feeding while the foliage remains green and healthy.
Dormancy and Reflowering
In autumn, gradually reduce watering to encourage the bulb towards dormancy. Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally before removing it. The bulb can then be rested in relatively dry conditions.
When fresh growth begins, resume watering gradually and return the plant to a warm, bright position. With suitable care, the bulb can be kept for many years rather than discarded after its first flowering.
Height and Spread
Hippeastrum 'Gervase' typically grows to around 45-60cm tall when flowering, with a spread of approximately 20-30cm. The eventual size will vary depending on the maturity of the bulb and growing conditions.
Why Grow Hippeastrum 'Gervase'?
- Large, spectacular Amaryllis flowers
- Beautiful combination of deep rose-red and pink
- Distinctive striped and veined petals
- Excellent colour during the darker winter months
- Easy to grow indoors in a container
- Can be retained and encouraged to flower in future years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hippeastrum 'Gervase' an Amaryllis?
Yes. Hippeastrum is the botanical genus, but these popular indoor bulbs are commonly known and sold as Amaryllis.
What colour is Hippeastrum 'Gervase'?
The flowers combine deep rose-red and pink, with darker stripes and fine veining across the broad petals. Colour and markings can vary slightly between individual flowers.
How tall does Hippeastrum 'Gervase' grow?
It typically reaches approximately 45-60cm in height when flowering.
What is the spread of Amaryllis 'Gervase'?
Expect an approximate spread of 20-30cm when grown as a mature container plant.
How deeply should I plant the bulb?
Plant the bulb with approximately half above and half below the compost surface. Do not completely bury a Hippeastrum bulb.
Should I cut off the foliage after flowering?
No. Keep the leaves growing after flowering and feed regularly so they can replenish the bulb. Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally as the bulb enters dormancy.
Can Hippeastrum 'Gervase' be planted outside in the UK?
Hippeastrum are tender and should be protected from frost. In the UK, 'Gervase' is best grown indoors or in a heated conservatory rather than planted permanently outside.
With its enormous, richly patterned flowers, Hippeastrum 'Gervase' is a particularly attractive Amaryllis for anyone who enjoys unusual colour and markings. Its rose-red and pink blooms make a spectacular feature in the home when relatively few other plants are flowering.
