Plant DetailShow Menu

Native alternative(s) for Lycoris:
Lilium philadelphicum Butterfly on flowers
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Lycoris squamigera Lycoris squamigera
Ornithogalum
Symphyotrichum oolentangiense Flowers
Lycoris has some common insect problems:
Narcissus Bulb Fly

Magic Lily Lycoris

Other plants called Magic Lily:

Phonetic Spelling
ly-KOR-iss
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Naked lilies or surprise lilies are perennial bulbs in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). They are native to China, SE Asia, Korea, and Japan. There are 25 species, but some authorities recognize fewer species. The genus name, Lycoris, refers to the Roman mistress of Mark Antony. The plants are usually called “naked lady” or “surprise lily” because the naked flower stalks suddenly emerge from the soil even before the leaves. The name “red spider lily” (Lycoris radiata) refers to the stamens that look like spider legs. Along the coast, they are called “hurricane lilies” because they bloom during hurricane season. 

Naked lilies tolerate full sun but grow best in part sun with afternoon shade. They can tolerate extreme drought but flourish with regular watering. The soil should be dry during the summer dormant period. They prefer rich, organic soil but can grow in poor soil. No fertilization is required. They generate bulb offshoots and will naturally spread in open ground. They prefer to be left undisturbed. The bulb usually does not bloom the first year after planting. If planted too deep, they may take longer to bloom. The plant size and planting depth depend on the species. Each bulb can produce up to five inflorescences, but bulbs might not bloom each year. The resurrection lily (L. squamigera) is the hardiest and prefers a chilling period with winter mulch. In colder climates, you should plant the red spider lily species in a sheltered area to protect the foliage from winter freezing. Check the plant tags for the botanical name and attributes to ensure you are buying the species you want. 

The plants are easy to grow and durable as evidenced by their presence found around old southern houses. After blooming in late summer or early fall, the strap-like foliage appears. The leaves remain green through winter for some species, while in other species, the leaves do not emerge until spring. The toxic alkaloid, lycorine, protects the plant from deer and rabbits. The flowers make good cut flowers. The resurrection lily species initially have an unpleasant odor for 12 hours. The red spider lily and resurrection lily are the species most commercially available, but more species, hybrids and cultivars are available from specialist nurseries.

The naked lilies can be planted in a perennial border and the edge of woodlands. The naked lilies can be grown in containers large enough to accommodate their root system. To hide the tall, spent flower stalks in the garden, you can plant annuals or groundcover near their base or scatter them among perennials. Companion plants include daylilies, tall phlox, coneflower, hosta, and black-eyed Susan.

Additional Lycoris images at Juniper Level Botanical Gardens

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: They are usually pest-free, but they can fall prey to narcissus bulb fly. Some gardeners have reported damage by lubber grasshoppers. Occasionally, deer may eat the flowers.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Lycoris aurea, Lycoris caldwellii, Lycoris incarnata, Lycoris longituba, Lycoris radiata, Lycoris spengeri, Lycoris squamigera
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#perennial bulbs#cutting garden#naturalized area#container plant#poisonous if ingested#pollinator garden#fall blooms#border#coastal#woodland#small groups
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Lycoris aurea, Lycoris caldwellii, Lycoris incarnata, Lycoris longituba, Lycoris radiata, Lycoris spengeri, Lycoris squamigera
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#perennial bulbs#cutting garden#naturalized area#container plant#poisonous if ingested#pollinator garden#fall blooms#border#coastal#woodland#small groups
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Lycoris
    Family:
    Amaryllidaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The alkaloid has been used to treat dementia and other diseases. They have been used to deter pests and mice from homes.
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Asia
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts bees, humming birds and butterflies
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is a three-valved capsule containing several black seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Good Cut
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    The flower blooms August to September. The naked scapes suddenly emerge with 4-6 flowers after a heavy rain storm following the summer dormant period. The flowers appear about 4 days after the scapes. The flowers are showy lily-like with long stamens.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The basal leaves are strap-like, narrow, and fleshy. They die in the summer and reappear after the flower blooms in late summer and fall. The leaves overwinter for some species or appear in spring for others.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The naked scapes suddenly emerge after a heavy rain storm following the summer dormant period.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Insect Pests
    Poor Soil
    Rabbits
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    If ingested by humans or pets in large amounts, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and potentially death.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Lycorine, an alkaloid
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Roots
    Stems