Lycoris surprise – the late season

While Lycoris x squamigera is one of the first surprise lily to flower each summer, Lycoris x caldwellii (Lycoris chinensis x longituba) is one of the last, usually in early to mid September in NC.  With the popularity of Lycoris x squamigera in gardens through the upper midwest, it is quite shocking not to find the equally winter hardy Lycoris x caldwellii...especially since it offsets quite fast for a surprise lily.  We guess some of the lack of other hardy clones in gardens is that most people purchased mislabeled plants and think they are actually growing Amaryllis belladonna.  Unless you garden from Zone 8 south, you are not growing Amaryllis belladonna outdoors.  We’re doing our best to get these great lycoris spread far and wide. 

1 thought on “Lycoris surprise – the late season”

  1. Saw a lot of the old-fashioned red ones blooming over the week end at the gardens between the Smithsonian Castle and the old Arts and Sciences building. They were quite spectacular among the abundance of early fall blooms and foliage!

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