My Magical Lilies are in full bloom and they smell sweeter than the Star Gazers did!
In case you’re not familiar with the name Magical Lily, Lycoris Squamigera is not a Lily at all but is a member of the Amaryllis family. They can also be called Surprise Lilies, Resurrection Lily, even Naked Lilies. This super fragrant flower makes its first appearance in the spring with only long strap-like green leaves. The foliage then dies back.
The first year that I was in this house I thought I was a dismal failure at growing these because I didn’t know about them, but a couple of months later up pop leafless stocks that were loaded with pink flowers. One minute they’re not there and the next morning they are… Just like magic.
If you have ever thought of growing your own Magic Lilies and live in a planting zone that is between 4-8 you are good to go. Plant your Magic Lilies in the fall. Be sure to put your bulbs in a sunny spot about 5 to 6 inches deep and about 6 inches apart. I like to plant them in groups of three, but that’s my preference.
As far as care they are super easy. The flowers in the picture get watered when it rains. I have Magic Lilies in other parts of the garden that do get watered, but that is only because I’m watering other plants.
They are also supposed to be very resistant to bugs and disease and I believe it because I’ve never had any problems. If they don’t flower the first year don’t worry it sometimes takes them a couple of years to establish themselves.
Plant them then forget about them, and then SURPRISE they “like magic” remind you that they are still there.
Because of the texture and the fragrance I think this is the next non-rose that I want to make into beads.
I’ll keep you posted.
