Scientific Name
Lycoris radiata, L. squamigera
Common Name
Magic Lily, Naked Lily, Resurrection Lily, Spider Lily
LYCORIS
radiata (Red flowers)
squamigera (Rose flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Lycoris radiata flowers in late summer (September) and L. squamigera flowers in mid-summer (August) for 2-3 weeks and plants are 2-3 feet tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: China, Japan
2. Common names: Magic Lily, Naked Lily, Resurrection Lily, Spider Lily
3. Geophyte organ: Bulb
4. Hardiness type: Tender III (Injured at temperatures below 35 degrees F , 2C) to Semi-Hardy (Injured at temperatures below 28 degrees F, -2C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by offset bulbs and requires a warm (60 to 70F) - cool (32 to 40F) - warm (60 to 70F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds and borders.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: Information not available. Will vary with species.
2. Planting density: 12 inches apart, 1 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of bulb.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Perennialization habit: Lycoris radiata: 1990 USDA Climatic Zones 7 to 8 with mulch, 9 to 10 without mulch; L.squamigera: Zones 5 to 8 with mulch, 9 to 10 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Lycoris radiata and L. squamigera: Full sunlight to PM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Tolerates summer drought, but requires moisture during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Coreopsis, Hemerocallis (yellow cvs.), Kniphofia (yellow cvs.), Leucanthemum (Shasta daisies), Peonies (white and yellow cvs.), Rudbeckia, Salvia, Verbascum (white cvs.), Buddleia, Hibiscus syriacus, Acer palmatum, Lagerstroemia.

Lycoris radiata

Lycoris radiata

Lycoris radiata

Lycoris squamigera

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.