By Andi Anderson
As summer nears its end and gardens begin to transition into autumn, one reliable plant brings joy to Iowa gardeners: the surprise lily. Known for its sudden, dramatic blooms, the surprise lily is admired across the state this season.
This bulb is recognized by many names, including surprise lily, Lycoris squamigera, magic lily, resurrection lily, and naked lady. Although not a true lily, it belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to Japan.
What makes the plant so special is its unusual life cycle. In spring, long, strap-like leaves emerge, but they die back by early summer, blending in with other fading bulbs. Then, in late summer, tall, leafless stems appear almost overnight, topped with clusters of delicate, pink, lily-like flowers with striking stamens.
Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist at Iowa State University, describes the blooms as magical. “Each stalk can produce between four and 12 flowers, standing 18 to 24 inches tall,” he explained. Gardeners often discover them unexpectedly, especially in landscapes where they were planted years earlier.
For those interested in growing surprise lilies, the bulbs should be planted in fall about five to six inches deep and spaced six to eight inches apart.
They grow well in well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun. Because the foliage dies early and the flowers appear on tall stalks, experts recommend planting them among airy perennials, such as threadleaf coreopsis, perennial geranium, or prairie dropseed.
These bulbs spread quickly, forming large clumps that can be divided and shared every few years. Digging and separating them after foliage dieback or post-flowering makes them easy to replant or give away. Steil even suggests secretly planting them in a friend’s garden for a delightful surprise the following summer.
The surprise lily remains a symbol of resilience and delight, adding unexpected beauty to gardens when the season begins to fade.
Photo Credit: pexels-eleonora-sky
Categories: Iowa, General