We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Lycoris?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,225
Share

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.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-lycoris.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.