Papilio - Hippeastrums | Amaryllis | Hippeastrum x hybridum

Add something truly distinctive to your garden or collection with Papilio Amaryllis, botanically known as Hippeastrum papilio. Often called Butterfly Amaryllis, this unique flowering bulb is admired for its unusual lime-green to creamy green blooms, marked with dramatic deep burgundy-red veining and patterning.

Unlike many traditional red, pink or white Amaryllis varieties, Hippeastrum papilio has an exotic, butterfly-like appearance that makes it a standout choice for collectors, pots, protected garden beds and indoor displays. Its elegant blooms usually appear in soft green tones with strong burgundy markings, giving each flower a highly ornamental look.

Papilio typically produces 2–3 flowers per stem, depending on bulb size and growing conditions. It flowers from August to October, with winter to spring flowering often seen in subtropical regions. This variety performs best in partial shade to bright indirect light, with excellent drainage and protection from frost.

Supplied as a dormant bulb, Papilio should be planted with the neck slightly exposed above the soil surface. Once settled into a suitable position, it can remain undisturbed for many years and reward you with its distinctive blooms season after season.

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

Distinctive Papilio Amaryllis variety

Botanically known as Hippeastrum papilio

Also known as Butterfly Amaryllis

Lime-green to creamy green blooms

Deep burgundy-red veining and markings

Exotic butterfly-like flower appearance

Usually produces 2–3 flowers per stem

Ideal for collectors and unusual plant displays

Suitable for pots or protected garden beds

Best in partial shade to bright indirect light

Supplied as a dormant bulb

Planting & Care

Plant Papilio Amaryllis bulbs in a position with partial shade to bright indirect light. Unlike many common Hippeastrums that tolerate stronger sun, Papilio generally performs best with filtered light, morning sun or a bright protected position.

Choose a free-draining soil or potting mix. If planting directly in the ground, prepare the soil to around 20cm deep and improve drainage if needed. Avoid heavy, wet soil, as Hippeastrum bulbs can rot if they stay too damp.

Plant with the neck of the bulb slightly above soil level. Do not bury the bulb completely. Keeping the neck exposed helps improve air circulation and reduces the risk of moisture building up around the bulb.

Space bulbs around 10cm apart if planting multiple bulbs. If growing in pots, use a quality free-draining potting mix and ensure the pot has good drainage holes.

Water regularly while the plant is actively growing, but allow the soil or potting mix to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially in pots or during cooler weather.

Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced liquid fertiliser, or use a suitable bulb fertiliser according to label directions. Regular feeding helps support strong foliage, better flowering and long-term bulb health.

Papilio prefers mild temperatures around 15–25°C while actively growing. Protect from frost, particularly in colder regions or when grown in pots.

Once established in a suitable position, Hippeastrum papilio can remain undisturbed for many years. Avoid unnecessary lifting unless the plant becomes overcrowded, needs moving, or is growing in poorly drained soil.

Flowering Time

Flowering time can vary depending on climate and growing conditions.

Main flowering: August to October

Subtropical regions: Winter to spring

Product Details

Botanical Name: Hippeastrum papilio

Common Name: Papilio Amaryllis, Butterfly Amaryllis, Hippeastrum

Variety: Papilio

Product Type: Flowering bulb

Supplied As: Dormant bulb

Flower Colour: Pale lime-green to creamy green with deep burgundy-red veining and markings

Bloom Count: Usually 2–3 flowers per stem

Flowering Time: August to October; winter to spring in subtropical regions

Aspect: Partial shade to bright indirect light

Planting Depth: Leave the neck slightly exposed

Spacing: Approximately 10cm apart

Soil: Free-draining soil or potting mix

Temperature: Protect from frost; ideal range around 15–25°C

Growth Habit: Suitable for garden beds or pots

End Use: Pots, protected garden beds, collectors, indoor displays

FAQ

Is Papilio an Amaryllis or a Hippeastrum?

Papilio is botanically Hippeastrum papilio, but it is commonly sold and searched for as Amaryllis. Both names are often used by gardeners.

Why is Papilio called Butterfly Amaryllis?

Papilio is often called Butterfly Amaryllis because of its unusual flower shape and bold veining, which gives the blooms a butterfly-like appearance.

What colour are Papilio Amaryllis flowers?

Papilio flowers are usually pale lime-green to creamy green with strong burgundy-red veins and markings.

How many flowers does Papilio produce?

Papilio usually produces 2–3 flowers per stem, depending on bulb size, climate and growing conditions.

When does Papilio Amaryllis flower?

Papilio generally flowers from August to October, with winter to spring flowering often seen in subtropical regions.

Does Papilio need full sun?

Papilio generally prefers partial shade to bright indirect light. Filtered light, morning sun or a bright protected position is usually best.

Can Papilio Amaryllis grow in pots?

Yes. Papilio grows very well in pots, provided the potting mix is free draining and the bulb is not overwatered.

How deep should I plant Papilio bulbs?

Plant with the bulb neck slightly exposed above soil level. Do not bury the bulb completely.

How often should I water Papilio?

Water regularly during active growth, but allow the soil or potting mix to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid keeping the bulb constantly wet.

Should I fertilise Papilio?

Yes. Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced liquid fertiliser or suitable bulb fertiliser to support strong growth and future flowering.

Is Papilio frost hardy?

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

Can Papilio stay in the ground?

Yes. In suitable climates with well-drained soil, Papilio can remain undisturbed for many years.

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.

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