June Meeting

17th June 2014

Topic - Hippeastrums

Presenter - Dennis Knopp

What a great meeting we had this month. An excellent presentation by Dennis on a plant he grows, propagates and raises from seed.

A wonderful summer flowering bulb, Hippeastrums have spectacular bell shaped flowers and when one bulb produces two stems and eight flowers all out at the same time, it is a real achievement and a great show piece.

Hippeastrums are best suited for pots when grown in Melbourne. Large bulbs are given a dormant period over winter and re-potted in late spring. Use a 15cm (6") pot filled with a good quality, well-draining, moist potting mix. Place the bulb on top of the mix. Do not bury. At least half the bulb should be seen above the mixture. Water once and leave for 2 weeks. As the weather warms up the flower stem will start to emerge and watering can be increased to once a week. Don't over water as this will rot the roots and the bulb. Enjoy the flowers and then feed the leaves for the next 4 months. Place the pot and bulb in a dry, cool location until Spring.

Our thanks to Dennis for a great digital presentation of photos and his practical demonstration on growing this magnificent plant in Melbourne.

The Betty Knox Award (Best Exhibit)

A good variety of exhibits were on display and the Judge took some time to select the monthly champion. The winning entry was a container of flowering "Salvia" staged by Aileen Hogan that won the Judge's vote - a great exhibit.

Popular Vote Award

Most members picked a single bloom of "Gordonia Axillaris" staged by Vi Deutscher as their choice. This unusual bloom is commonly known as the Fried Egg Plant and looks like a single Camellia. It is a native of China. Thank you Vi for sharing this unusual flower with the members. Well done.