There are two distinct genera that share similar behavior and appearance (to my unexpert eye and Google skillz, anyway). One - Amaryllis belladonna - is a native of South Africa, and a distant relative of conventional lilies (genus Lilium). The other - Lycoris squamigera - originated in China or Japan. Both are variously referred to as "naked ladies," "magic lilies,"or "resurrection lilies." These names arise from the bi-seasonal nature of the plant's cycle. In early spring, dark green, flat leaves emerge from the ground. They form a shrub-like clump, lasting for several weeks to longer than a month soaking up all the rich spring goodness to feed the buried bulb(s) before dying back. The growth essentially disappears during the height of summer, only to sprout shockingly fast-growing, tall, elegant stalks topped with clusters of shimmery, iridescent lily-type flowers in late summer.
These are hardy plants that withstand -20F winters. They also don't get so much as sniffed at by the deer - and we have dumb, dumb deer that eat everything they are not supposed to even like, including bulbs from Lilium-genus lilies. Moreover, the bulbs transplant well, making this showstopper a versatile addition to any garden. Love!
Post a Comment