Magic Lily
lycoris squamigera
Also known as: ["Resurrection Lily","Surprise Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with striking pink flowers that emerge after the foliage has died back, typically in late summer.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Lycoris |
| Botanical Name: | Lycoris squamigera |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings or naturalized areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter; sandy soil is also suitable.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight in spring and early summer; partial shade during hot summer months to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent heat stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyEasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Provide morning sun and afternoon shade; avoid direct afternoon sun in hot climates; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering during dormancy to prevent rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Prefers cool temperatures during dormancy (40–50°F or 4–10°C); thrives in 65–75°F (18–24°C) during active growth; tolerates mild frosts but protect from hard freezes.
Protect from hard freezes; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage; stop fertilizing after flowering to encourage dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
By division of bulbs; separate offsets from the mother bulb after dormancy ends in late summer or early fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up the mother bulb carefully.
- Separate offsets with a sharp, clean knife.
- Replant offsets at the same depth as the mother bulb.
- Water lightly until established.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall, after dormancy ends and new growth begins.
Environment
Warm, slightly shaded environment with moderate humidity; protect from extreme temperatures.
Medium
Well-drained soil mix, such as cactus mix or sandy loam with added perlite.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets will establish roots within a few weeks; new growth may appear in the following spring.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife, clean pot or planting site.
Quick Tips
Replant offsets immediately to prevent drying; ensure proper spacing for future growth; water sparingly until roots develop.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; trim dead foliage with clean cuts.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower stalks after flowering to tidy appearance; remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; trim dead leaves; clean tools after use; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after dormancy ends and before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Carefully lift bulbs; gently separate any crowded bulbs; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-drained soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing bulbs unnecessarily as they resent transplanting.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil mix; replant at same depth; water sparingly; provide shade for a few days after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; reduce watering after flowering; stop watering during dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the bulb, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom of the pot or soil; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce watering significantly after flowering until dormancy in late summer and fall; avoid watering during winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; slow growth or failure to flower in overly cold conditions; bulb rot if kept too wet during cold dormancy.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes; prolonged cold can damage flower buds or prevent flowering; excessive moisture during cold can lead to bulb rot.
Solution: Mulch heavily around bulbs in winter; protect from frost with a frost cloth or move containers indoors; ensure soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can scorch leaves and flowers; high temperatures may cause premature dormancy; stress can lead to reduced flowering or bulb damage.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; water deeply but infrequently to keep bulbs cool; ensure good air circulation to reduce heat buildup.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in early spring; use balanced formula; avoid over-fertilizing; stop after flowering; no fertilization during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid fertilizing after flowering; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength if used; discontinue during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic alkaloids in Lycoris squamigera. Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects, posing a significant health risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lycoris squamigera can lead to severe toxicity due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. These compounds affect the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system, causing distressing symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLycoris squamigera contains toxic alkaloids that can cause significant physiological effects when ingested. The toxins interfere with the nervous system and cardiovascular functions, leading to severe symptoms in humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do the leaves appear in fall and flowers in summer?
A: This is a natural cycle; the foliage emerges in fall, dies back in spring, and flowers appear in late summer on leafless stems.
Q: Is this plant toxic to pets?
A: Yes, all parts of Lycoris squamigera are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should I plant the bulbs?
A: Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep in well-drained soil, spaced about 6 inches apart, in a sunny to partially shaded location.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
