Hippeastrum The Gardener's Amaryllis - Royal Horticultural Society/Timber Press Plant Collectors Guides Series Author:Veronica M. Read The hybrids of Hippeastrum, also known by gardeners as amaryllis, have long been popular indoor plants, their flamboyant blooms bringing cheer during the dark winter months. This book for gardeners describes the astonishing range of hybrids now available and explains how to get the best results from these rewarding plants whether grown indoors, ... more »outdoors, or under glass. The large-flowering single with its flamboyant blooms remains a favoured classic, but it is now joined by majestic doubles, distinguished, smaller-flowering Hippeastrum 'gracile' hybrids, exotic-looking Cybisters with their delicate, wispy blooms and miniature Japanese hybrids small enough to grow in a coffee cup. The long-flowering, multistemmed Klisters create a sensational display through the winter months while the elegant Sonatinis are prized for their glamour as cut flowers. Veronica Read has devoted the last ten years of her life to perfecting the art of growing Hippeastrum and here she shares her expertise and understanding of these plants. A wealth of practical advice accompanies her plant descriptions including a specially formulated growing medium used by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, an effective hot water treatment for pests, step-by-step propagation instructions on how to chip and twin scale, and essential advice on feeding, watering and lighting. More than 100 beautiful photographs complete this tantalizing book that will bring enthusiasts right up-to-date with the latest developments, tempt all growers to extend their collections and encourage novices to experiment with these dramatic plants.« less