Lycoris radiata var. radiata 'Fire Engine'

Fire Engine Red Surprise Lily

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Item #: 9331

Zones: 7a to 9b

Dormancy: Summer

Height: 20" tall

Culture: Sun to Light Shade

Origin: China

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


Propagated from bulbs we received from China in 2008, this 2011 Plant Delights Nursery introduction represents new genetics for Lycoris radiata var. radiata, a plant that has long been cultivated in the southeastern US, hence the new cultivar name. Lycoris 'Fire Engine' begins flowering for us in late August (a week after Lycoris radiata 'Adams August') with magnificent heads of heavily-ruffled, fire engine red flowers. The most unique feature of this form is the purple-black 20" stalk that supports the flower. We assumed these were seedlings, but the uniformity made us reconsider that assumption. Like typical Lycoris radiata, the green ribbon-like fall foliage emerges in mid-October and lasts until April.