When ordering bulbs for fall planting, consider adding some magic to your late-summer/early-fall garden for next year.
Two late-blooming lilies, members of the amaryllis family, flower in the fall without leaves. Because leaves are absent, they are commonly called magic lilies, surprise lilies and naked ladies.
Several species exist, but those that are hardy in zones 6 to 10 are red spider lily (Lycoris radiata) and pink magic lily (Lycoris squamigera). Both species send out strap-like leaves that appear before or after the lily blooms but are not present at bloom time. When plants bloom without leaves they are referred to as naked, hence the common name, naked ladies.
Magic lilies have been cultivated in Japan for centuries, but have been grown in American gardens since the 1880s. Once established, they require minimal care and do not have serious insect or disease problems.
Red spider lily blooms after summer heat with showy red, funnel-shaped flowers that resemble daddy long-legs spiders upside down. Long stamens reach out from the petals that form on tall flower stalks. Six to 10 fine-textured blossoms crowd the top of each stem. They grow in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil but best flowering occurs in part shade.
Bulbs are round with short necks and should be planted in fall and not disturbed. Plants will naturalize from bulb offsets over time. Follow directions given with your bulbs for planting depth and spacing.
Grayish green, narrow, strap-like leaves that are about 10 inches long appear in fall after bloom and remain throughout winter. Foliage dies back in late spring after the weather warms. This adaptation allows the plant to survive in areas with wet springs and summer drought. Plant these lilies with annuals or low ground covers like liriope to hide the dead leaves.
Unlike red spider lily, pink magic lily or resurrection lily sends up its flat, strap-like leaves in spring before it blooms. Leaves die down by the end of June and the plant goes dormant for the summer. In late summer, tall, bare-flower stalks appear supporting a cluster of trumpet-shaped pink flowers tinged with lilac.
For best bloom, choose a site in full to part sun that is drier during summer dormancy. Plant bulbs 5 to 6 inches deep in the soil and 6 to 8 inches apart. Lycoris squamigera will multiply by bulb offsets and should be divided every four to five years in fall after blooms have faded. Use them in borders, woodland gardens, containers, or mixed in a groundcover bed. Mulch in winter.
Whatever you decide to call your surprise lily, consider adding this unique addition to your garden to enjoy in late summer when other perennials are starting to fade. They will pop up when you least expect them and let you know that autumn is here.
Mary V. Clark is a Master Gardener with Penn State Extension — Beaver County.
The Link LonkSeptember 28, 2020 at 11:10AM
https://www.timesonline.com/story/lifestyle/2020/09/28/over-garden-gate-add-magic-fall-garden/5855082002/
Over the Garden Gate: Add magic to fall garden - The Times
https://news.google.com/search?q=Flower&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
No comments:
Post a Comment