Final Trials Report 2014-2016

RHS/Karen Robbirt ‘Green Magic’ AGM

Author Karen Robbirt, Trials Office The Royal Horticultural Society Garden, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB

Hippeastrum Trial No. 2013

Trial of Hippeastrum 2014-16

The RHS Garden Wisley held a trial of Hippeastrum during the period 2014-16 to assess some of the best commercially available : 68 entries were included in the trial which was hosted in the Wisley Glasshouse. Bulbs were received and potted in late autumn 2014. The judging forum met regularly to assess the trial over two flowering seasons; January to March 2015 and February to April 2016. Mealy bug became a problem in some of the entries by the second year of the trial despite best efforts to control it, and it was agreed to finish the trial after the second year rather than go into a third season. The forum met on 3 November 2016 to review the trial and vote on AGM recommendations; seven forum members attended. Voting was aided by a visual review and presentation of each trial entry under discussion. The forum members were: Terry Smale (Chairman), John Amand, Martin Burr, Sally Burr, Rob Evans, David Ford, Andy Houghton, Markus Radscheit, Ray Waite and Peter Warmenhoven.

The forum recommended the Society’s AWARD of GARDEN MERIT (AGM) to the following entries:

H. ‘Merengue’ (H2) [entry 8] Obtained from: J Parkers Description: Cybister (spider) type, mid-height, burnt- orange . Typically two scapes per , five per scape.

Forum Comments: Excellent spider form, unusual attractive colour, floriferous, best of the cybisters in the trial.

H. ‘Fairytale’ (H2) [entry 10] Obtained from: J Parkers Description: Diamond Group. Mid height, flowers red with strong white streaks and green centre. Typically three scapes per bulb, 4-5 flowers per scape.

Forum Comments: small, neat blooms of excellent structure, balanced form. Good contrasting colours. Scapes slant outwards producing vase-shaped effect.

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16

H. ‘Baby Star’ (H2) [entry 11] Obtained from: Spalding Bulbs (entered as Très Chic) Description: Diamond Group. Red-pink petals white streaks, plum-red veining. Typically six flowers per scape.

Forum Comments: Compact , neat almost tubular flowers. Long flowering.

H. ‘Picotee’ (H2) [entry 16] Sent by: P. Warmenhoven Description: Diamond Group. White petals, red picotee. Typically four scapes per bulb, six flowers per scape.

Forum Comments: Superb, delicate form and colour. Has been in the trade over 50 years.

H. ‘Flamenco Queen’ (H2) [entry 28] Sent by: J. Amand Description: Galaxy Group. White flowers with strong red blush, red veining and red picotee.

Forum Comments: Long-flowering blooms, uniform, sturdy scapes, well-developed foliage. Vigorous and has resisted mealy bug over both years of the trial. Has some papilio parentage.

H. ‘Lagoon’ (PBR) (H2) [entry 31] Sent by: P. Warmenhoven Description: Galaxy group. Large cerise flowers. Typically two scapes per bulb, four flowers per scape.

Forum Comments: striking cerise flower, clean colour, large flowers, blooms well-supported on sturdy scapes.

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16

H. ‘Monte Carlo’ (PBR) (H2) [entry 32] Sent by: P. Warmenhoven Description: Galaxy Group. Mid-height, large pink-red flowers with white streaking toward the throat. Typically two scapes per bulb, four flowers per scape.

Forum Comments: Large flowers, clean colours. Petals slightly reflexed. Mother of pearl effect in direct sunlight.

H. ‘Naranja’ (H2) [entry 45] Obtained from: Gardens4You Description: Galaxy Group. Mid height, orange flowers. Typically three scapes per bulb, six flowers per scape.

Forum Comments: Well-structured flowers of deep orange. Good proportionality of stem height to flower size. Well-developed foliage.

H. ‘Clown’ (H2) [entries 61 and 62] Sent by: J. Amand and P. Warmenhoven Description: Large, showy red-white flowers on strong red-tinged scapes. The petals each have a central white stripe with supplementary bands of red and white. Red predominates in the upper petals and white in the lower. Typically four flowers per scape.

Forum Comments: Striking, flamboyant, fleshy blooms, long-flowering period. Sturdy scapes, with attractive red hue. Reliable, good grower.

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16

H. ‘Royal Velvet’ (H2) [entry 63] Sent by: J. Amand Description: Tall plants, strong scapes support dark red, almost burgundy flowers.

Forum Comments: Lovely open flower, good balance, rich red colour. Good proportionality. Foliage out with the flowers.

The forum recommended the Society’s AWARD of GARDEN MERIT be RECONFIRMED for the following entries:

H. ‘Charisma’ 2012 (H2) [entries 12 and 13] Sent by: J. Amand and P. Warmenhoven Description: Diamond Group. Tall plants. Large white flowers deeply flushed red with a red throat and red edging. Two or more scapes per bulb, typically four flowers per scape.

Forum Comments: Strong, upright scapes. Attractive blooms with a red picotee edge.

H. ‘Green Magic’ 2012 (H2) [entry 15] Sent by: J. Amand Description: Diamond Group. Tall with large blooms. Creamy white flowers with dark red veining and green throat.

Forum Comments: Attractive large flowers well supported on strong stems. Excellent performer.

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16

H. ‘Red Lion’ 2012 (H2) [entries 33 and 34] Sent by: J. Amand and P. Warmenhoven Description: Galaxy Group. Large trumpet-shaped scarlet-red flowers. Typically two scapes per bulb, four blooms per scape.

Forum Comments: Very old cultivar, easy to grow, forgiving, vigorous, reliable, lovely red-orange flower.

H. ‘Apple Blossom’ 2012 (H2) [entry 59] Sent by: J. Amand Description: Trumpet-shaped flower with a blend of creamy white and pink, with green throat.

Forum Comments: Long-established reliable cultivar. Flowers are soft white with delicate pink blush, which deepens as the flower matures. Tall sturdy scape, robust foliage. Excellent performer.

The forum recommended to RESCIND the Society's AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT from the following:

H. papilio (H2) 2012 [entry 1] Beautiful flower, but not vigorous and takes a long time to establish. Always sparse on flower: only one or two flowers per scape. Better suited to the specialist grower.

H. ‘Benfica’ (H2) 2012 [entry 23 and 24] Forum comments: no longer reliably available, due to problems in the commercial production of this cultivar. Did not perform well in the trial.

H. ‘Bestseller’ (H2) 1993 Forum comments: no longer available.

H. ‘Star of Holland’ (H2) 1993 Forum comments: no longer available.

H. ‘Orange Souvereign’ (H2) 1993 Forum comments: no longer available.

H2 = Tender - cool or frost-free greenhouse. H2 is suitable when plants are dormant, but they need more heat when they are started into growth, e.g. H1A conditions and then cooler again (H1B) once the scapes are well developed.

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16

Home Growers Guide Author David Ford (Hippeastrum Trial Forum)

The following guide is for the growing of in the domestic environment, perhaps it should be subtitled growing in less than perfect conditions! For more specialist growing advice, Veronica M. Read’s ‘Hippeastrum The Gardener’s Amaryllis’ in the R.H.S Collector Guide series (ISBN 10: 0881926396 - ISBN 13: 9780881926392) is an excellent source of information. Hippeastrums make interesting and, when in bloom, spectacular houseplants although they can look a little untidy for their growing season in summer. It is possible to grow these plants simply as spring ‘bedding’ for the house and disregard them after flowering but there is no reason why hippeastrums cannot be cultivated in a house to bloom year after year. This guide is aimed particularly at the cultivation of the large flowered hippeastrum hybrids commonly available to the amateur grower. The cybister hybrids, which can also be found at garden centres and supplied by growers, require slightly more specialised conditions and do not generally make as successful house plants as their large flowered cousins.

Selecting a Good Bulb  Bigger is better, a larger bulb means more scapes (the stems upon which the blooms are carried) will be produced. On a large flowered hybrid the maximum number of scapes is generally three though the smaller multiflora hybrids have been developed to produce a considerably greater number of scapes.  Should be firm to the touch, not damp or soft and especially not soggy.  Should feel dry.  Exhibit no sign of mould or fungus.  The basal plate, the disc beneath the bulb from where the roots form should be dry and intact. It is preferable but not essential that a number of live, fleshy roots are still attached to the basal plate in order to allow the bulb to establish quickly. It should be noted that some growers routinely remove the live roots, particularly if the bulb is old and basal plate has become large and congested. Powdery, dry roots are dead and will not revive and should be gently removed.

The Container  Should ideally have an inside diameter which is 4-6cm larger than the diameter of the bulb.  Preferably deep, hippeastrums are relatively deep rooted and will thrive best in a narrow but deep container.  Should not be too large in circumference because it will lead to the compost remaining too moist and not drying out sufficiently between waterings. It is better for a hippeastrum to be rootbound rather than grow in a container which is too large.  A heavy container rather than a light plastic works best since the developing scapes can make the plant a little top heavy which can cause them to topple over if the pot is too light. Plants rarely escape such a fall without damage and often the fall has fatal consequences for the blooming scape.

Compost  Growers use a wide variation of compost mixes but a good multipurpose compost with added horticultural grit, in order to ensure good drainage, should suffice for the home grower.

Situation  Hippeastrums originate mainly from South America, where they receive high levels of strong light. The parents of the cybister hybrids grow in mountainous areas thriving in comparatively harsh conditions where they receive particularly high levels of UV light. Trying to replicate this on a windowsill in the home is quite challenging but a south facing window makes the most

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16

suitable domestic location. Leaf scorch from direct sunlight is not generally a problem in the home.  Flower colour and intensity are affected by the quantity of light the plant receives, low light levels will lead to less intensity in the colour of the blooms. In some cultivars the difference between low and high levels of light can be quite marked e.g. Hippeastrum ‘Apple Blossom’ AGM, which is significantly paler if started early in the year when the plant receives less light.  Low levels of light, in extreme cases, will lead to scape collapse during blooming and leaf collapse at other times during the plant’s growing season.  In order to promote a strong straight scape it is useful to give the container a 90˚ turn on the windowsill each day. This ensures that the scape develops vertically making the plant less likely to topple as the blooms develop.

When to Plant  Although most bulbs in the UK tend to be sold for Christmas this is a little early to start growing since the short day length means the plants can suffer from receiving insufficient light. Ideally start bulbs at the end of January or the beginning of February so that they can benefit from naturally higher light levels.  Cybister hybrids require an even longer dormancy period than the large flowered hybrids and in addition require higher light levels. They are best started into growth as late as April in the UK.

Watering  When a new bulb is rooting and beginning to grow and produce its first scape it is important that the compost be allowed to remain moist, but never wet, to encourage the production of new roots. Once a bulb is established in its container it will require watering only when the top centimetre of compost has become completely dry. For this reason the rate of watering will depend very much on ambient growing conditions and the plant’s current rate of growth.  Some home growers water their plants from the bottom in order to discourage sciarid fly. However, hippeastrums are prone to root rot if their roots are allowed to stand in water, so watering from the top may be best practice for the amateur grower in the home.  Always water the compost and never water directly onto the bulb as this can be a cause for the bulb to rot.  Always use tepid water, during the colder months of the year leave the water to stand and attain room temperature before applying to the compost.

Feeding  Hippeastrum are hungry feeders, a good proprietary plant food is quite adequate for domestic cultivation and ideally should be administered in low doses with every watering.

Old Leaf Removal  Remove old leaves during the growing season only once they have dried naturally and become brown and brittle. Any flaky, brown outer parts of the bulb can also be removed to prevent the crown of the bulb becoming congested and to help prevent bulb rot arising from the damp and dead outer layers of the bulb.

Dormancy As a home grower, dealing with bulb dormancy can be the most challenging issue concerning the cultivation of hippeastrums. This is particularly true since there are substantial quantities of conflicting advice for cultivation during this period of the annual growth cycle. Hippeastrums are generally spring flowering, summer growing plants. Christmas blooming in the U.K. is induced by an

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16 early cold period or in some cases importation from the southern hemisphere and is not easily replicated in the home. The dormant period should be started at some point during late September or October. If September is proving to be very bright and sunny it can be left until later. If September is dark and cloudy it is best to start the bulb’s dormant period earlier. The home grower has three options.

1. Total Dormancy

This is the state in which bulbs are sold to the general public and is the method favoured by commercial growers. It is the cultivation method which is suited to all hybrids and is essential for the cybister hybrids in order to ensure repeat flowering. The larger flowered hybrids do not require total dormancy and will thrive given the second option of a Cool Period which is easier for an amateur grower to achieve and has the benefit of avoiding root disturbance leading to stronger growth the following year. Move the plants into a position where they receive less light and cease watering. Bulbs are then dried off at room temperature, allowing the foliage to begin to yellow and die. When the compost is completely dry, the bulbs can be knocked out of their containers and the compost gently removed from their roots. The bulbs can then be stored in a cool, dark and dry environment to be potted up the following year. Initially storage can be around 15˚C but this can be lowered to around 5˚C after a couple of months. It is important not to ‘shock’ the bulbs with sudden drops in temperature. Advice about length of dormancy differs widely but in general beginning the process at the beginning of October and re-potting in January or the beginning of February works well for most large flowered hybrids. Cybister hybrids often require a longer dormant period and can be re- potted again towards the end of March or early April. Repotting bulbs which have been overwintered in a dormant state is the same as that for a new bulb. Any dead leaves should be removed as should all dead roots, taking care to allow live fleshy roots to remain intact before potting up in a suitable container.

2. Cool Period

This treatment suits most large flowered hybrids which can generally be understood to be evergreen in nature. Towards mid-October, or earlier if the year is proving particularly dark, the plants can be moved to a well-lit but cooler environment around 13-15˚C would be ideal but in the home environment not always possible to achieve. Water sparingly when the plants are very dry and do not apply feed at all during this period. This will result in a general collapse of foliage with some leaves yellowing and dying back. However the bulb may continue to grow, at a much reduced rate, and can even produce some new leaves during this period. At the end of the cool period, after around a minimum of 10 weeks, remaining leaves can be removed by a diagonal cut about 12cm above the top of the bulb. This action is somewhat detrimental to the bulb which would continue to use these leaves and is done for purely aesthetic reasons since it allows the scape and new leaves to emerge without the clutter of the old foliage. The cut new foliage can ‘bleed’, if the cut foliage becomes soggy it should be gently removed but outer leaves may well brown and become dry and can be removed when they are brittle.

3. Evergreen House Plant

In some domestic situations it may not be practical to use the Cool Period method of cultivation but many of the large flowered hybrids will grow and bloom well if left in their summer conditions. This treatment works well for some hybrids but others may not repeat bloom as reliably. Watering continues during the winter for this method of cultivation but feeding is substantially reduced. Growth will continue but at a slower rate. Commence feeding again in January as the higher light levels prompt the plants back into growth. Foliage is not generally cut back for this method of cultivation since the plants never really cease growing so when the scapes emerge the foliage can look somewhat untidy however good repeat blooming can be expected from some cultivars using this method of cultivation. Hippeastrum ‘Red Lion’ AGM, ‘Lady Jane’ and ‘Grand Diva’ are all known to respond well to this method of cultivation.

Repotting If following cultivation methods 2 or 3, Cool Period or Evergreen House Plant, the bulbs will need re- potting every 2-4 years. Although hippeastrums like to be somewhat root bound, annual growth of

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16 the bulb, the production of small bulbs around the parent bulb and the accumulation of old roots within the pot means that a repotting regime is essential for the continued health of hippeastrum bulbs. One sign the bulb needs repotting is a difficulty in watering the plant, water from the top appears to run straight though the container and water from the bottom is not taken up sufficiently. This is due to the accumulation of dead root material within the container. Repotting is best carried out during the dormant period in winter and before the plants begin active growth. The bulbs should be gently tapped out and all old compost removed. If new bulbs have been produced from around the basal plate of the parent bulb, their roots need to be carefully untangled before they are free to be potted up individually. Old roots, which will be brown and powdery, should be gently removed if still attached to the basal plate. The bulbs can then be repotted into a suitably sized new container.

Pest and Diseases  Aphids and Whitefly

These can be treated with a proprietary insecticide spray widely available at garden centres and supermarkets.  Sciarid Fly

These can be considered more of an annoyance than an actual pest as the larvae generally feed in the decaying outer layers of the bulb and in compost which has remained damp. Removing any loose material from the neck of the bulb and from around its outer circumference where it comes into contact with the soil may help. Bottom watering of the plants, although not ideal because of the risk of root rot, will prevent the top of the soil from becoming too moist and will considerably impact the sciarid fly population. Sticky traps or appropriate insecticide sprays are also effective controls.  Other Pests : Mites, Scale Insect, Mealybug

These pests, once they have infected a bulb, are particularly difficult for the home grower to eradicate, insecticides are often ineffective since the pest exists not only on the leaves but actually within the layers of the bulb itself. Unfortunately, with this type of infection, control rather than eradication is the most likely outcome of treatment and it may be wiser to destroy the bulb in order to prevent the pest spreading to other specimens.

Index of Trial Entries

No. Entry AGM Sender

1 Hippeastrum papilio John Amand

2 Hippeastrum (Spider Group) 'Chico' 2012 John Amand

3 Hippeastrum (Spider Group) 'Emerald' John Amand

4 Hippeastrum (Spider Group) 'Sumatra' (PBR) Peter Warmenhoven

5 Pink (cybister type) Peter Warmenhoven

6 Hippeastrum (Spider Group) ‘Tango’ J Parkers (received as 'Lima') 7 Hippeastrum (Spider Group) 'Evergreen' 2012 Peter Warmenhoven

8 Hippeastrum (Spider Group) 'Merengue' 2016 J Parkers

9 Hippeastrum (Spider Group) 'Bogota' Crocus

10 Hippeastrum (Diamond Group) 'Fairytale' 2016 Blom Bulbs

11 Hippeastrum (Diamond Group) ‘Baby Star’ 2016 Spalding Bulbs (received as 'Très Chic')

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16

12 Hippeastrum (Diamond Group) 'Charisma' 2012 John Amand

13 Hippeastrum (Diamond Group) 'Charisma' 2012 Peter Warmenhoven

14 Hippeastrum (Diamond Group) 'Lemon Lime' John Amand

15 Hippeastrum (Diamond Group) 'Green Magic' 2012 John Amand

16 Hippeastrum (Diamond Group) 'Picotee' 2016 Peter Warmenhoven

17 Hippeastrum (Diamond Group) 'Lemon Star' Spalding Bulbs

18 Hippeastrum (Double Diamond Group) 'Alfresco' J Parkers (PBR) (d) 19 Hippeastrum (Butterfly Group) 'Exotic Star' (PBR) Taylors Bulbs

20 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Matterhorn' Gardens4You

21 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Purple Rain' Spalding Bulbs

22 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Ambiance' John Amand

23 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Benfica' John Amand

24 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Benfica' Peter Warmenhoven

25 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Caprice' (PBR) Peter Warmenhoven

26 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Desire' Peter Warmenhoven

27 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Darling' Peter Warmenhoven

28 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Flamenco Queen' John Amand

29 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Gervase' John Amand

30 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Limona' (PBR) Peter Warmenhoven

31 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Lagoon' (PBR) 2016 Peter Warmenhoven

32 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Monte Carlo' (PBR) 2016 Peter Warmenhoven

33 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Red Lion' 2012 Peter Warmenhoven

34 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Red Lion' 2012 John Amand

35 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Red Pearl' (PBR) Peter Warmenhoven

36 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Rilona' John Amand

37 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Samba' John Amand

38 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Brazza' Gardens4You

39 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Hercules' Gardens4You

40 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) unknown cultivar J Parkers (received as 'Orange Souvereign') 41 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Adele' J Parkers

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16

42 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Tosca' Spalding Bulbs

43 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Exotica' (PBR) Spalding Bulbs

44 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Spartacus' (PBR) Spalding Bulbs

45 Hippeastrum (Galaxy Group) 'Naranja' Gardens4You

46 Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) 'Aphrodite' (d) Peter Warmenhoven

47 Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) 'Blossom John Amand Peacock' (d) 48 Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) 'Dancing John Amand Queen' (d) 49 Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) 'Elvas' (d) John Amand

50 Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) 'Exotic John Amand Peacock' (d) 51 Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) [Sweet Peter Warmenhoven Nymph] = 'Swenym' (PBR) (d) 52 Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) [White Nymph] Peter Warmenhoven = 'Whinym' (d) 53 Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) 'Splash' (PBR) Peter Warmenhoven (d) 54 Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) 'Lady Jane' (d) Gardens4You

55 Hippeastrum (Double Galaxy Group) 'Double Blom Bulbs Dragon' (PBR) (d) 56 Hippeastrum (Leopoldii A Group) 'White Christmas' Spalding Bulbs

57 Hippeastrum 'Green Goddess' John Amand

58 Hippeastrum Gracile Spalding Bulbs

59 Hippeastrum 'Apple Blossom' 2012 John Amand

60 Hippeastrum 'Christmas Gift' Peter Warmenhoven

61 Hippeastrum 'Clown' 2016 John Amand

62 Hippeastrum 'Clown' 2016 Peter Warmenhoven

63 Hippeastrum 'Royal Velvet' 2016 John Amand

64 Hippeastrum 'Snow Queen' Crocus

65 Hippeastrum 'Black Pearl' Crocus

66 Hippeastrum 'Flower Record' J Parkers

67 Hippeastrum 'Minerva' Spalding Bulbs

68 Hippeastrum 'Carmen' Gardens4You

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16

Senders to the trial:

 John Amand (John Jacques Amand); [email protected]  Peter Warmenhoven (WSWarmenhoven); [email protected]

Bulbs were also purchased from various bulb companies in the UK including Blom Bulbs; Crocus; Gardens4You; JParkers; Spalding Bulbs and Taylors Bulbs.

Source: Horticultural Trials and Relations, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB E-mail: [email protected]

More information about RHS Trials and other colour illustrated reports can be found on the RHS Website: http://www.rhs.org.uk/trials

Final Report for Trial Number 2013 Hippeastrum 2014-16