Lycoris x houdyshelii (Surprise Lily)

Sun to Light ShadeZone: 6-10 20" tall Origin: China

This rare, naturally-occurring hybrid surprise lily (L. straminea x L. radiata var. pumila) is found in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. It was first imported to the US in 1948 and named in 1957 by Dr. Traub in honor of bulb collector Cecil Houdyshel. The frilly, light yellow flowers top the 20" tall stalks that seemingly appear from nowhere in mid to late August. Emerging from the center of the petals are long stamens, often tinged in light pink, like eyelashes on a lady of the evening. After flowering, the winter rosettes of 15" long basal leaves emerge in late September and persist all winter. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)