Lycoris Bulbs: Spiders No Gardener Will Fear
Some of September’s brightest garden splendors include the burnt oranges of ‘Indian Summer’ rudbeckia, ‘Goblin’ Gaillardia, and ‘Tiki Torch’ Echinacea. Together with the sun kissed yellows of ‘Sunfire’ Coreopsis, ‘New Gold’ lantana, and fiery ‘Empire Red’ salvias, flowerbeds are at once ablaze with the glowing embers of autumn. Lycoris radiata, one of my favorites for the fall, helps to heat things up in the garden as well. Showing no signs of life during the summer, this resplendent bulb harbors its energy for autumn’s onset, when it bursts forth with a lush exuberance like no other.
The genus Lycoris is comprised of 20 species, most of which originate from the warmer climes of China, Japan, and East Asia. Some of these species began making appearances through trade and exploration in England and the United States as early as the 1700s. Lycoris radiata, the most popular species in American cultivation, was introduced to the states in 1750, and closely resembles its Amaryllis and nerine cousins—all members of the Amaryllidaceae family —with its scarlet red, spider like blossoms.
What’s in a Name?
Depending on the species, Lycoris can be referred to as magic lily, naked lily, surprise lily, hurricane lily, or perhaps the most common, spider lily. No matter what you dub these exotic Asian bloomers, their spectacular show of color adds an exhilarating rush of energy to waning fall gardens. Lycoris bloom in the late summer and fall, opening in time to heighten the climactic flowering of perennials like milkweed, daylilies, Shasta daisies, and cigar plants. Composing a color wheel all their own, Lycoris offer a spectrum of scintillating hues from sizzling scarlet and pumpkin orange to golden yellow, mauve, blush, and the purest white. Smooth strap like leaves emerge in the late fall for some cultivars, and die back in the spring, while other varieties bear new foliage at winter’s close, only to go dormant at summer’s arrival. Summertime is their resting period, their brief moment of repose before they expend the remainder of their energy through passionate bursts of blooms in early fall. Extravagant spider like or funnel shaped blossoms explode from the earth in late August and September, ostensibly proclaiming the peak of hurricane season. Their fiery blooms audaciously sit atop 15-inch slender green stalks, naked from the lack of foliage that customarily clothes lilies.
Tips for Planting Lycoris:
Dormant Lycoris bulbs are best planted from July through September, while actively growing lilies can be transplanted at any time. Keep in mind that Lycoris perform best in full to partial sunlight; planting them in dense shade may hinder blooming. When planting bulbs, space them about five to seven inches apart, making sure the “necks” rest just below the soil surface. If your bulbs have existing roots, dig the holes large enough so that the roots may be spread out. Cut any foliage to half its length to encourage better root production. Consider also adding a handful of bone meal (five pounds covers 50 square feet) to each planting hole, since its natural source of phosphorous is perfect for building sturdy root systems as well as promoting an abundance of healthy blooms. Although bulbs should be watered thoroughly upon planting, they prefer to be ignored during their dormancy—a plus for vacationers in the summer. Lycoris benefit from being divided and replanted in early summer every six to seven years.
Trumpets of Color and Parasols Aplenty:
Whether you prefer umbel shaped blossoms or funnel like flowers, nothing greets fall like a bed of mixed Lycoris. While Lycoris radiata, or red spider lily, is the most common species for the South, consider also trying varieties like ‘Golden Hurricane’ (L. Africana), ‘Pink Surprise’ (L. squamigera), and ‘Orange Magic’ (L. sanguinea). Lycoris radiata, a phenomenal heirloom bulb for the South, shoots forth 18-inch stalks of brilliant orange red clusters in early fall. Their long curling filaments and umbels of radiant fire cast glows of heat like none other, warming the chilliest of beds in September. When planted in groups, their intense scarlet hues can easily be admired from distant passersby on the street, and their long lasting blossoms make them excellent for use as cut flowers in your home.For an exquisite display of color, plant red Lycoris in beds of ‘Goldsturm’ rudbeckia, white gaura, ‘Profusion Orange’ zinnias, and ‘Mystic Spires’ salvia. Consider also trying your hand at white Lycoris (L. radiata ‘Alba’). You might find that these easy to grow bulbs best stand out when incorporated in beds of light shade. Their pristine white blossoms magnificently accent groundcovers like English ivy, hostas, and dwarf blue Ruellia. ‘Pink Beauty’ caladiums and Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) can also enliven white Lycoris when planted as backdrops to their spider like blossoms.
‘Golden Hurricane’ lily (L. africana) is another outstanding Lycoris for the South. In the fall, elegant stalks rise two feet above the ground, boasting gold-dipped petals and spidery stamens. Since their golden clusters and refined hues are not quite as prominent as the red lilies, Lycoris africana most often look best when planted in large groups. Heighten your display by interspersing ‘Graffiti Pink’ pentas, Mexican heather, and ‘Pink Caprice’ lantana. ‘Purple Diamond’ Loropetalum and ‘Knockout’ roses also look stunning when planted behind golden hurricane lilies. Lycoris squamigera, or ‘Pink Surprise’ lily, averages 15 to 18 inches tall and blooms blush pink flowers in late summer and early fall. Their large trumpet shaped blossoms offer a sweet surprise to gardeners with their delicate aromas and enduring bloom cycles. Pink surprise lilies look striking when combined with white or golden Lycoris. Their soft pink tones and grandiose blossoms also complement ‘Irish Eyes’ rudbeckia and ‘Sunray’ Coreopsis. For best coloration, plant L. squamigera in partial sunlight and mix with ‘Gage’s Shadow’ Magilla Perilla.
Plant ‘Orange Magic’ lily (L. sanguinea) for a refreshing burst of apricot orange flowers in the fall. Different from most Lycoris bred for the South, orange magic lilies perform best in shaded areas; excessive amounts of sunlight can prove detrimental to this variety. Its slender pale orange petals are perfect for announcing fall’s arrival, and look best when planted before walls of fig ivy or when incorporated with hostas, Pittosporum, and ‘Autumn’ ferns. ✦
