Hippeastrum equestre, commonly called Barbados Lily, produces bold trumpet-shaped flowers that bring strong colour to your home. Each bulb sends up sturdy stems topped with large funnel-shaped blooms in warm orange-red shades. The flowers often appear in late winter or spring.

This deciduous bulb forms slightly fleshy, strap-shaped leaves and tall leafless stems that hold clusters of dramatic flowers. It works well in containers, sheltered borders, or bright conservatories. Plant a few bulbs together to create a striking display.

Key Features

• Botanical name: Hippeastrum equestre
• Common names: Barbados Lily, Amaryllis equestre, Equestrian Star, Knight’s Star Lily
• Plant type: Deciduous bulbous perennial
• Flower colour: Orange to orange-red
• Flowering period: Late winter to spring
• Position: Full sun or bright sheltered spot
• Soil: Moist but well-drained soil
• Height: Up to 45cm
• Spread: Up to 45cm

Benefits for UK Wildlife

• Early-season flowers help to extend the flowering period in your garden.
• Can offer nectar and pollen to visiting insects when grown outdoors in warm, sheltered locations.
• Works well as part of a mixed planting scheme that supports pollinators throughout the season.

Planting Tips

• Plant bulbs in autumn or early winter.
• Choose a sunny, sheltered spot or grow in containers.
• Use free-draining compost or soil.
• Leave the top of the bulb slightly exposed above the soil surface.
• Water lightly until growth begins, then keep the soil lightly moist.
• Allow leaves to die back naturally after flowering to feed the bulb for next season.

You want colour during the quieter months of the garden year. Hippeastrum equestre delivers that with bold blooms and simple care. Plant a few bulbs this season and enjoy reliable spring flowers year after year.