Description

Like the better known Nerines, Lycoris has similar growing characteristics but are mostly more robust plants. They have long, thin, strap-like foliage which dies back in summer re-appearing in summer/autumn after they have flowered. This lily produces a rigid stem bearing an umbel of trumpet shaped flowers with narrow, strongly recurved petals that usually have wavy margins and long showy stamens and styles contributing to the spidery appearance. L. aurea produces a cluster of 4 to 5 golden yellow flowers on stems up to 60cm tall and L. radiata produces a cluster of 4 to 5 rose-red slightly upward curving blooms on 30 to 45 stems. They look best planted among shrubs to extend the flowering season into late summer and autumn or in the mixed border in bold groups.

Cultivation

Choose an open and full sunny site in any free draining, reasonably rich garden soil. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone or rich compost prior to planting out. Plant the bulbs with their necks just level with the soil surface in warmer climates and in containers and anywhere up to 15cm deep in very cold areas. Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth. The plants like plenty of water during their winter growing season but need warm dry conditions when dormant. They are moderately frost hardy but need protection from cold winds. No particular pests or diseases but protect them from snails and slugs.