KNIGHT’S STAR LILIES 571 
HIPPEASTRUM AULICUM (courtly). Leaves broad, strap- 
shaped, closely striate Flowers large, rich crimson, 
green at base, and above the green a dark red-purple blotch. Scape 
about 14 foot high. Introduced from Rio de Janeiro, 1810. Stove. 
H. EQUESTRE (knightly). The Barbados Lily. Flowers bright red, 
with a yellowish green star. The species is a native of Tropical 
America and the West Indies. It is also cultivated or naturalised in 
the Tropics of the Old World. Introduced 1710. Stove 
H. Leopoxip1 (Leopold’s). Flowers regular, 7 inches across, with 
broad segments coloured red and white, on stout stalks. Introduced 
from Peru in 1869. One of the largest and most vigorous, and also one 
of the principal, progenitors of the garden race of Hippeastrums. 
Greenhouse. 
H. PARDINUM (leopard-like). Flowers 6 inches across, cream- 
coloured, thickly spotted with crimson. Greenhouse. Introduced from 
Peru, 1866. - : 
H. PSITTACINUM (parrot-like). Flowers 5 inches across, red, with 
crimson streaks and a conspicuous greenish star; on scapes 3 feet 
high. Greenhouse. Brazil, 1814. 
H. RETICULATUM (netted). Flowers 4 inches across, mauve-red, 
barred with crimson; on scapes a foot high. Var. striatifolia has 
leaves with a white central band. Stove. Introduced from Brazil in 
1777 
Principal Species. 
H. virrata (striped). Flowers white, each division with two red 
stripes. Greenhouse. Introduced from South America, 1819. 
Hippeastrums are not difficult plants to grow if they 
get the special conditions they require, and they give a 
splendid return in a grand show of striking flowers. The bulbs should 
potted about February, in strong loamy soil, mixed with charcoal 
and crushed bones, on a layer of good drainage, in 5- to 7-inch 
pots, and placed in a sunny position in a warm, moist house. Growth 
will begin almost immediately, and with it the flower scapes; and if 
plenty of air and light are given during the summer, fine leafy plants 
will result. Whilst in flower they should be shaded from bright 
sunshine, in order to preserve the blossoms. From September to 
February they should be kept cool and given little water, to allow a 
period of rest. If a top-dressing be given when growth begins each 
year, and occasional manure-water during the growing period, established 
plants will not require repotting. Some growers, however, prefer to 
repot the bulbs annually. When large numbers are grown they are 
best accommodated in a bed of spent tan, in which the pots are buried 
Cultivation. 
