Dave this is such a beautiful way to start the new year off, with these amazingly beautiful bulbs.
I actually have two Hippeastrum bulbs growing outdoors for the last 4 years. They have survived temps in the single digits. The foliage comes back every spring, but they have not bloomed. I wonder if it is because they are planted to deep?

I am no expert but I wonder if they should be protected from frost during their blooming period?

I think I read somewhere that the bulbs had to be partially exposed in order to bloom? Maybe I should dig one up, plant it partially exposed, then mulch heavily during winter. Then I could remove the mulch once freezing weather is over?

In zone 8b I would be careful about the depth of planting. Just the neck should be exposed, and you probably should use a good layer of a light mulch, such as dry leaves, which can be removed in spring. Sometimes you don't get good blooming if the bulbs don't get enough hours of sun. Try moving to a sunnier location, and give regular water and fertilizer in the summer. This worked for me one time, when I had bulbs that wouldn't bloom, they were shaded by Canna Lilies that had big leaves. Moving them to a full sun location did bring blooms the next summer.

That might be the problem, these are only getting second half of the day sun, as they are against the foundation of the house for winter protection. Also the neck of the bulb in definitely under ground.
Thank you for the suggestions Barbara. I will give them a try this spring.