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Lycoris chinensis

Chinese Yellow Surprise Lily

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

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Item #: 64

Zones: 5a to 8b, guessing

Dormancy: Summer

Height: 28" tall

Culture: Sun to Light Shade

Origin: China, Korea

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


First coming to the US in 1948 via the USDA, and named in 1958 by Dr. Hamilton Traub, Lycoris chinensis hails from the moist slopes of China and adjacent South Korea. This spectacular surprise lily emerges seemingly from nowhere in August to form 28" tall stalks, topped with large, golden yellow, lily-like flowers. After flowering has finished, the wide, glaucous foliage of Lycoris chinensis doesn't emerge until late winter/early spring. Plant a mass of surprise lilies in a low-growing groundcover and wait for your summer Kodak moment!