Naked Lady Amarillis

Naked Lady Amarillis, Lycoris squamigera. Lycoris squamigera probably originated in Japan or China. It grows very well in California, forming large clumps of leaves early in the Spring and then going leafless with narry a trace until it blooms in mid-Summer with repeated sprays of gorgeous pink flowers. It is also know as the Surprise Lily, Magic Lily, and Resurrection Lily.

Naked Ladies

I've seen these for sale as "Naked Lady Amaryllis" or sometimes as Amaryllis belladonna; however, I suspect that they are not Amaryllis at all but rather Lycoris squamigera. They grow in huge green leafy clumps in the springtime. The leaves dry up and disappear in June. Then, in August (yes, now), huge spikes burst up out of the ground in an Amaryllis-like fashion. The spikes amazingly go from near nothing to 3 foot blooming spikes in a week or two, making a tremendous display. If you live in zone 9-10 (aka California or other warm spot), they are hardy, quick growing and very showy. These are from my front yard.