naked ladies in the garden

I found Naked Ladies in my garden – but not in the Virgin’s Bower.  I offered them Ladies’ Slippers and Blue Bonnets and even Indian Blankets!  but they just shook their petals and said they were waiting for Bachelor Buttons.

Naked Ladies, i.e. Lycoris  squamigera are wonderful, magical plants that begin to bloom in early fall.  There are no leaves, just naked stems (thus the common name) coming out of the ground to expand and bloom into coral colored wonders    The strap like leaves (they are in the Amaryllis family) actually appear and begin to grow in early spring but disappear by July.

My particular “Ladies” happen to be a gorgeous coral red color but they also come in a whole chorus line of colors, including  yellow, white and even an “electric blue” which is actually mostly neon pink with blue edging.  They are definitely a southern plant and are hardy in growing zones 7 – 10.  If you garden in colder areas and want to grow these, be sure to provide a nice thick cover coat for the bulbs.

I didn’t plant these Ladies in my garden.  Apparently, were planted by someone else who gardened in my back yard decades ago.  Since the leaves come out at the same time as things I’m trying to get rid of (spiderwort and a large patch of rogue daylilies)  no telling how many times I pulled up and discarded the Lycoris leaves before I realized what they were.  I noticed the flowers for the first time last year and was ready and waiting for them this year.  If you decide to include these in your own garden (and I heartily recommend that you do) be sure to mark them so you’ll remember where they are .

Fortunately,  fall is the best time to plant these bulbs.  I  found them at High Country Gardens (www,highcountrygardens.com)  and at  k. van Bourgondien (dutchbulbs.com)   and am eagerly waiting for them to arrive so I can add to my harem.

They are fun and offer a frilly, splash of color at a time when everything in the garden seems to be turning golden brown.  Besides, who can resist a naked lady in the garden?  One note, though, if you google “Naked Ladies in the garden”. you might be a little shocked at what comes up.

Happy Gardening

Laura