Resurrection Lily is a late summer marvel that seems to defy the rules of bulb gardening. After its spring foliage completely disappears by midsummer, thick flower stems suddenly emerge in August and September bearing 4 to 7 fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in soft rose-pink tinged with lilac. Hardy in zones 5 through 9, this 18 to 24 inch tall beauty is the most cold-hardy Lycoris available, making it reliable even in northern gardens. Its unusual habit of flowering without visible leaves, reminiscent of Colchicum's mysterious bloom pattern, creates an almost magical effect in the garden.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-9
24in H x 24in W
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Moderate
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The drama lies in the disappearing act: lush strap-like grayish-green leaves emerge in spring, then vanish completely by summer, leaving bare soil before naked flower stems rise to deliver heavily fragrant, rose-pink blooms. This is the hardiest Lycoris species in cultivation, surviving winters in zone 5. Once established, it naturalizes reliably through bulb offsets, spreading into drifts that bloom faithfully year after year with virtually no fussing.
Resurrection Lily excels at naturalization, spreading through established garden beds and meadows where it needs little intervention. Its late summer bloom time makes it valuable for extending the flower calendar when many perennials are fading, and its fragrant blooms attract attention in borders or woodland edges. The naked flower stems create a striking architectural element in late-season gardens.
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Plant bulbs in fall 5 to 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Apply mulch in winter for protection.
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“Lycoris squamigera arrived in Western gardens from Japan, where it has been treasured for centuries. The genus itself carries romantic weight, named after Lycoris, a celebrated Roman beauty and mistress of Mark Antony. While specific details about its introduction to American horticulture remain sparse in available records, this species distinguished itself through superior cold hardiness compared to its tender relatives, eventually becoming the most reliable Lycoris for gardeners in cooler climates.”