Melinda Myers

Surprise Lily

Botanical Name

Lycoris squamigera

Min Zone

5

Max Zone

9

Height

18 to 24 inches

Width

18 to 24 inches

Flowers

Mid to late summer: lily-like rose-lilac to pink, 3 to 4 inches, fragrant

Light

Full sun to part shade

Soil

Medium, well-drained, kept dry during dormant period

Planting & Care

• Plant bulbs 5 to 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart
• Mulch in winter
• Naturalizes by offsets
• Provide even moisture, plants benefit from soils that remain relativiely dry during the summer
• Strap-like foliage in spring that dies back in summer
• Site plants near the back of the border or interplant with perennials to mask declining foliage

Problems

None serious