Carmen Hippeastrum Bulb | Amaryllis – Deep Mahogany Red Blooms

Bring rich, dramatic colour to your home, patio or garden with Carmen Hippeastrum, a striking flowering bulb known for its huge deep mahogany-red blooms and dark throat. With its bold colour and classic trumpet-shaped flowers, Carmen creates a powerful seasonal display in pots, indoor displays, protected garden beds and cut flower arrangements.

Commonly searched for as Amaryllis, these flowering bulbs are botanically Hippeastrums. Hippeastrum ‘Carmen’ is a beautiful choice for gardeners wanting deep red colour, strong contrast and an elegant flower form that stands out in both modern and traditional displays.

Produced from dormant bulbs, Carmen develops impressive spring to summer flowers that can last for several weeks depending on growing conditions. After flowering, the plant produces attractive glossy, strap-like foliage, helping the bulb store energy before naturally dying back towards winter dormancy.

Supplied as a dormant bulb, Carmen can be grown in pots or garden beds with good drainage. Plant from July to October in full sun to partial shade, leaving the neck of the bulb slightly exposed above the soil surface.

Pre-Order Note

NOTE: This is a pre-order.

Stock is expected to be ready around the end of July, however this may push into August depending on seasonal conditions and supplier availability.

Image shown is an example picture only. Flower colour, size and form may vary slightly depending on growing conditions and seasonal availability.

If there are any supply issues, we will contact you regarding substitution options.

Any items you do not wish to have substituted will be refunded.

Features

• Bold Carmen Hippeastrum variety
• Commonly searched for as Amaryllis
• Huge deep mahogany-red blooms
• Dark throat for dramatic contrast
• Large trumpet-shaped flowers
• Strong seasonal colour
• Excellent for pots, patios and protected garden beds
• Suitable for bright indoor displays
• Great for cut flower arrangements
• Attractive glossy, strap-like foliage after flowering
• Easy to grow and low maintenance
• Supplied as a dormant bulb
• Can rebloom in future seasons with proper care

Planting & Care

Plant Carmen Hippeastrum bulbs from July to October in a position with full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, morning sun with afternoon shade can help protect the flowers and foliage from harsh heat.

Choose a light, free-draining soil or quality potting mix. If planting in the garden, loosen the soil to around 20cm deep and improve drainage if needed. Hippeastrums dislike sitting in wet, heavy soil, especially while dormant.

Plant with the fat end and roots facing down, leaving the neck of the bulb slightly exposed above the soil surface. Do not bury the bulb completely. In pots, the top third of the bulb may remain above the potting mix.

If growing in pots, use a quality free-draining potting mix and make sure the pot has good drainage holes. Avoid oversized pots that hold too much moisture around the bulb.

Water lightly after planting, then increase watering once active growth appears. Allow the soil or potting mix to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially while the bulb is dormant or just beginning to shoot.

Feed during active growth with a balanced bulb fertiliser or pelletised chicken manure to support strong stems, healthy foliage and future flowering.

Protect from frost, especially in colder regions or when growing in pots. In frost-prone areas, Carmen is best grown in pots so it can be moved under cover when needed.

After flowering, remove the spent flower stem but leave the foliage to continue growing. The leaves help the bulb store energy for the next flowering cycle. Reduce watering as the plant naturally moves towards dormancy.

Flowering Time

Flowering time can vary depending on climate and growing conditions.

General flowering: Approximately 6–10 weeks after planting
Typical season: Spring to early summer, depending on region and planting time

Product Details

Botanical Name: Hippeastrum hybrid
Common Name: Hippeastrum, Amaryllis
Variety: Carmen
Product Type: Flowering bulb
Supplied As: Dormant bulb
Flower Colour: Deep mahogany red with dark throat
Flower Form: Large trumpet-shaped blooms
Planting Season: July to October
Blooming Season: Spring to early summer
Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
Planting Depth: Leave the neck slightly exposed
Spacing: Approximately 10cm apart
Soil: Free-draining soil or quality potting mix
Watering: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
Frost Tolerance: Protect from frost
End Use: Pots, indoor displays, patios, protected garden beds, borders, cut flowers, gifting

Pet Safety Note

Hippeastrum bulbs can be toxic if eaten by pets. Keep bulbs and plant material out of reach of cats, dogs and other animals. Bulbs and plant material may also cause skin or eye irritation, so handle with care.

FAQ

Is Carmen a Hippeastrum or an Amaryllis?

Carmen is a Hippeastrum hybrid, but these bulbs are commonly searched for as Amaryllis. Both names are often used by gardeners, although Hippeastrum is the more accurate trade name.

What colour are Carmen Hippeastrum flowers?

Carmen produces huge deep mahogany-red blooms with a dark throat.

What shape are the flowers?

Carmen produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers on strong flower stems.

When should I plant Carmen Hippeastrum bulbs?

Plant from July to October, depending on your climate and growing conditions.

How long until Carmen flowers?

Flowering generally occurs around 6–10 weeks after planting, depending on temperature, bulb condition and growing environment.

Can Carmen Hippeastrum grow indoors?

Yes. Carmen can be grown indoors in a bright position, such as near a sunny window. Avoid dark rooms and avoid overwatering while indoors.

Can Carmen grow in pots?

Yes. Carmen performs beautifully in pots and containers. Use a quality, free-draining potting mix and make sure the pot has good drainage holes.

Can Carmen grow outdoors?

Yes, in suitable warm or frost-protected areas. In cooler regions, grow in pots so the bulb can be moved under cover when needed.

How deep should I plant Hippeastrum bulbs?

Plant with the fat end and roots facing down, leaving the neck of the bulb slightly exposed above the soil. In pots, the top third of the bulb may remain above the potting mix.

Does Carmen need full sun?

It grows well in full sun to partial shade. In warmer areas, partial shade or afternoon protection can be beneficial.

Is Carmen frost hardy?

Carmen should be protected from frost, especially in colder regions or when grown in pots.

Will Carmen flower again next year?

Yes. With proper care, feeding and a suitable dormancy period, the bulb can rebloom in future seasons.

Is Carmen good for cut flowers?

Yes. Carmen’s deep red blooms make it suitable for cut flower arrangements and dramatic indoor displays.

Is Carmen pet safe?

No. Hippeastrum bulbs can be toxic if ingested by pets, so keep them away from cats, dogs and other animals.

What are they supplied as?

They are supplied as dormant bulbs, ready for planting during the recommended season.

Is this a pre-order?

Yes. This item is a pre-order. Stock is expected around the end of July, but may push into August depending on seasonal conditions and supplier availability.

What happens if there is a supply issue?

If there are any supply issues, we will contact you regarding substitution options. Any items you do not wish to have substituted will be refunded.

What Can You Purchase From Oldboy’s Flowers’ Online Store?

We have a wide selection of Australian grown plants that we deliver as mature plants or mature bulbs. We also supply gardening tools, fertilisers, decorative garden lights, plant hangers and flower pots.

We love chatting with avid gardeners and sharing our knowledge with those with “not so green” fingers, so feel free to contact us.