What is Lycoris?

Lycoris is a genus of perennial bulbs native to eastern and southern regions of Asia. Common names for these members of the amaryllis family include surprise lily, spider lily, and hurricane flowers. They are widely grown as ornamentals outside their native range and an impressive variety of cultivars has been developed to cater to various gardening tastes. Nursery and garden supply stores may carry Lycoris bulbs and seedlings, and it is also possible to obtain divisions from gardeners with established bulbs.

Members of this genus grow through the winter and spring, producing narrow, blade-like leaves that die back during the summer months, when the plant goes dormant. In fall, tall flower stalks appear, usually very abruptly, and a cluster of flowers in colors like white, yellow, or red bursts into bloom. These plants are popular in the fall garden as they can add color at the same time other plants are starting to go dormant. Fall gardens can tend to look somewhat ragged, and Lycoris species will provide a welcome visual distraction.

Various species in the Lycoris genus can be grown in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) zones seven through 10. They tend to prefer rich, well-drained soil without too much moisture, and like full sun to partial shade. Every few years, the plants should be dug up and divided, as the bulbs will become crowded. It is important to replant bulbs as quickly as possible when they are divided. If they need to be held out of the ground, they should be kept moist and cool so they are not stressed.

In addition to being colorful in the garden, Lycoris species can make excellent cut flowers. The blooms are long lasting, as long as they are handled gently to avoid bruising the petals, and they can be striking on their own or mixed with other flowers in an arrangement. People can also grow some species indoors if they live in a climate where conditions are too hot or too cold for the plants to grow well. With indoor container gardening, it is important to watch moisture levels in order to prevent rot.

While it is possible to propagate Lycoris from seeds, the plants will take a long time to mature, and they do not always breed true. For this reason, most gardeners prefer vegetative propagation through divisions of mature plants. Gardeners should be advised that after division, bulbs may be sluggish for several seasons as a result of stress. They should not be declared dead and removed, as they will recover.