The many common names of Lycoris squamigera are as whimsical as the plant itself. It has been called magic lily, mystery lily, resurrection lily, sesame lily, surprise lily, upstart, and— the most evocative name of all—naked lady! Read on for more information about what is so unusual about this plant and what role it might play in your garden.
What’s so surprising?
My first experience with surprise lilies was when they unexpectedly appeared in the garden of my childhood home. Surprise lilies grow from bulbs, so I suppose a squirrel may have been responsible for planting them. The most miraculous thing about surprise lilies is that they seemingly rise from the dead. They appear as a mass of silvery green, strap-like leaves in spring, die back to the ground by July, and remerge as a sturdy single stem bearing a cluster of delicate, fragrant, pink flowers in late summer. Part of their charm is their ability to appear when least expected.
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Where do surprise lilies come from?
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Lycoris squamigera is not actually a lily but is a member of the amaryllis family. It has been mistakenly sold as Amaryllis halli. The name Lycoris references a minor Greek goddess, and squamigera means “bearing scales,” referring to small scales that give the flower an iridescent sheen. Surprise lilies are native to Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea and have been sold in the United States since the late 1800s. They do not appear to be invasive in North America but bear watching due to their ability to naturalize and spread in wild areas.
Image: Surprise lilies by Deb Penn, Penn State
How to grow surprise lilies
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Surprise lily bulbs may be purchased from many online sources and local garden centers. They can be planted in spring or fall, but gardeners are cautioned to be patient because they will not bloom the first year after planting. Choose a spot with fertile soil in sun or shade and plant 5 to 6 inches deep. They should be watered moderately when they are growing. Surprise lilies reproduce from bulb offshoots and may be divided every three years.
Though the trumpet-shaped flowers are beautiful, their appearance on stout, 2-foot-high, naked stems can be a little jarring. They might be planted in a perennial border that includes interesting foliage from other plants, including plants that bloomed earlier in the summer. They also make good companions for hosta foliage.
Another surprise—they are relatively pest free!
Both deer and rabbits avoid feeding on surprise lilies. They have no serious insect or disease problems. Surprise lilies’ greatest threat is extremely cold winter temperatures. They should be insulated for the winter with a 2-inch layer of mulch—especially in northern sections of Pennsylvania. Whether you purchase surprise lilies or acquire them from a friend, surprise lilies add a note of interest to the garden.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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