Lycoris

Gardeners from warm regions are familiar with these showy plants that originated in Asia and the Middle East and have been grown in this country for generations. Popular in Japan where they are sited around the perimeter of farm fields to add color and beauty, lycoris plants spring from relatively small bulbs - considering the overall flower stem and bloom size - and develop into large clusters if left in the same location for a number of seasons.

This group has collected many common names over the years including; Surprise lilies, Naked lilies, Hurricane lilies, Spider lilies, Magic lilies, Resurrection lilies or cluster amaryllises. Most of these names relate to the plants' tendencies to produce tall flower stalks in advance of their strappy foliage so the blooms seem to spring from the ground, usually prompted by late summer rains, "magically" or "surprisingly".

We find it surprising that every garden in zones 7-10 doesn't include at least a few lycoris in borders, beds and even along the edges of driveways. The blossoms are bright, open in fascinating wavy forms, sometimes with pronounced "eyelashes" and are happy (and attractive) interplanted with lower groundcovers around their naked ankles. Live in zones 5-6? Try the fragrant pink version as it's a bit tougher and provide some mulch in the fall for cold weather protection. All varieties are deer resistant.

Note: Prices below are for a trio of lycoris bulbs in the largest sizes commercially available.

Fresh lycoris bulbs are shipped from mid September through December for prompt planting.