Lycoris Magic Lily Bulb

A lovely surprise in late summer, Lycoris Magic Lily seems to arise overnight, weeks after the strappy foliage of the plant has died back and you have forgotten just where you planted it. No wonder one of its many common names is Suprise Lily—it is a delightful and unexpected arrival at season's end.

Just when the summer flowers are passing and the sunny garden is looking a bit threadbare, Lycoris squamigera comes along to brighten things up. Sturdy 30-inch stems seem to shoot up instantly, leafless and bearing long, elegant buds that quickly open to pale-pink blooms. Resembling lilies (but actually a member of the Amaryllis family), Lycoris Magic Lily lasts for weeks.

These 2- to 3-inch blooms offer recurved petals and a golden throat set with burgundy anthers, very stylish and symmetrical. The petals have a waxy consistency that keeps them fresh over a longer period. Of course, their pink tones led to another common name—Naked Ladies—and is quite striking in the garden as summer turns to fall.

Easy to grow from fall-planted bulbs, Magic Lily asks only full sun and good soil drainage. Please note that it will not bloom the first year, but will offer bright color for many subsequent seasons.