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Growing Lycoris (Spider Lily & Magic Lily): Late-Summer Surprise Bulbs

General

Two longtime Southern favorites. Lily-like clusters on tall stems. Take a season to settle, then durable, long-lived, trouble-free. Rodent/deer resistant. Bulbs ship mid-Sept; plant promptly.

Culture

Planting: Neck just below surface. Foliage appears spring, dies summer—plan companions accordingly. 3–5 bulbs/sq ft in partial shade (L. squamigera tolerates full sun), well-drained soil. Resent transplanting; choose permanent spot.

Varieties

L. radiata (Spider Lily)

Bright red flowers with long curling filaments. Partial shade, especially in heat; well-drained. Zone 6: protected, heavy mulch. Heirloom 1750. Hardy Zones 7–10. 5″ apart, 12–18″ tall, Aug–Sept bloom.

L. squamigera (Magic Lily / Naked Lady)

Pink trumpet blooms magically appear on leafless stems in late summer. Superb with Hostas. Heirloom 1882. Hardy Zones 5–9. 6″ apart, 18–24″ tall, Aug bloom.

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