When Do You Plant Naked Ladies?

Lycoris squamigera

• Sometimes known as "resurrection flower" or "magic lily," Lycoris squamigera blooms in late summer. Resembling some other members of the amaryllis family, the plant produces tall (up to two feet) sturdy stalks topped with four to seven trumpet-shaped flowers. These blooms are generally pinkish purple and fragrant. The foot-long, narrow leaves appear in the spring and die back well before the flowers appear.

Lycoris radiata

• An old southern favorite that has naturalized in some parts of the South, Lycoris radiata differs from other species in the genus by having large, round flowerheads composed of many small, trumpet shaped blooms. Lycoris radiata is sometimes called the "spider lily" because long stamens protruding from the flower tubes radiate out around the flowerheads like spiders' legs. As with other lycoris species, the flowerheads are borne atop stout, one to two-foot stalks. While showy, the blooms are not fragrant.

Other Lycoris

• Lycoris sprengeri has pink-purple throated flowers reminiscent of Lycoris squamigera, but with a twist. The petal-like tepals have shadings of blue, deepening towards the tips. This coloration gave rise to one of the plant's nicknames, "tie dyed surprise lily. The flowers are born in very loose umbels or clusters. Another common lycoris is Lycoris sanguinea or red surprise lily, with the orange-red blooms of Lycoris radiata, borne in loose umbels like those of Lycoris sprengeri.

Culture

• All lycoris like loamy, well-drained soil. Plant the large bulbs five to six inches deep, with plenty of space between them--six or more inches--to accommodate the large, long-leafed plants and to allow room for enlarging clumps. Lycoris grow well in full sun to partial shade and can be used effectively under tall, deciduous trees. When planting Lycoris sprengeri, allow about 1/4 inch of the bulb's neck to protrude from the soil. Lycoris species grown north of USDA Zone 6 can be planted in pots and overwintered indoors.