Hippeastrum papilio - The Butterfly Hippeastrum is a most dramatic easy-care bulb. Large striking maroon, white and green flowers are architecturally veined and mesmerizing on fleshy stems. When I lived in Brooklyn, NY there was a ground floor apartment with bay windows; apparently it had many years before been a business. In the center of this large west-facing window was a big clay bulb pot in which dwelt a dense, thriving colony of Butterfly Hippeastrum. When they flowered, often twice each year with a dozen or more individuals for many weeks on end I would slow my pace and take in their extraordinary beauty. It was then that I knew that I would eventually grow this wonderful, exotic bulb. We do. We covet it. And so will you. This is an evergreen species of amaryllis with long strap-shaped leaves. Full to mostly sunny exposure in fertile, draining soil. Keep them potted tight for best performance. Too wet soils will promote rot. And enjoy them in winter when your appreciation for this fine bulb will be enhanced.