Lycoris radiata (Dwarf Surprise Lily)

Sun to Light ShadeZone: 6-10, at least 15" tall Origin: China

This southern heirloom bulb is one of the most popular plants in old southern gardens. The small, narrow, strap-like, blue-green leaves die away in early spring. Then seemingly out of nowhere in August, the 15" tall spikes emerge from underground, topped with a deciduous azalea-like flower of bright red. After the flowers fade, the leaves emerge again and persist until spring, producing food for next year's flowering. L. radiata doesn't always flower every year...we feel the flowering is probably controlled by aliens who like to torment Earth-bound gardeners. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)