Lycoris radiata (Spider Lily)
A surprise appearance in the southern border this week is Lycoris radiata (Spider Lily).
Planted in October 2014, these are from six bulbs ordered from White Flower Farms. I purchased them using a birthday gift certificate received that summer from dear friends Bill, Cecy and Susan.
I have loved spider lilies since childhood. My grandmother had a few bright red ones that erupted through a mossy patch where I often played.
In late summer to early fall, flowers of L. radiata appear first, later to be followed by the leaves. For the past 3 autumns since planting time in my garden, only foliage had emerged each October, signaling there would be no blooms that year. As consolation the foliage overwintered before disappearing in spring.
Foliage of Lycoris radiata (Spider Lily). November 2, 2016.
So it is a delight to welcome the flowers this year. More coral pinkish than the bright red I had expected, the blooms are quite beautiful.
Sometimes known as surprise lily I accept this apt moniker as indeed they were a surprise.
Having decided these probably were not going to ever bloom I took a chance on using their designated spot to tuck in an extra tomato plant in early summer. Recently I read one should not plant lycoris too deeply, bulbs necks should be above ground to encourage flowering. Perhaps in planting the tomato I disturbed the soil enough to expose the bulbs. Or maybe it was just time.
Lycoris radiata (Spider Lily) Rising Through Better Boy Tomato Leaves
pbmGarden 
They are very special Susie. Made more special by their delayed appearance – but definitely worth the wait.
Yes, definitely worth the wait. A good surprise.
They are absolutely beautiful, I’ve not heard of them before, what a lovely addition to your garden.
Yes a real treat to see the spider lilies flower at last.
Are they also called Naked Ladies?
Yes, I’ve seen them referred to online as Naked Ladies, never by my grandmother though!
Funny! I’m sure that is a new racy nickname.
I adore these flowers and finally planted some bulbs late last year or early this year. (I neglected to record the planting, which is a common mishap in my record-keeping when it comes to bulbs.) The foliage has appeared so, assuming mine are the same species as yours as I believe they are, I guess I’m out of luck for flowers this year. Following your lead, perhaps I’ll dig them up when the foliage fades and replant them higher.
I adore them too. Once established they supposedly are long-lasting. Good luck with yours.
Gorgeous, it looks just like a nerine.
Hello! Yes, they do look like your nerines, which I’ve admired before without seeing that similarity.
A happy surprise – they’re beautiful~
Yes it was. Truly unexpected to see the spider lilies.
Beautiful. 🙂
Thanks Judy. Was a treat to discover the lily chose this year to finally bloom.