Lycoris is a genus of flowering perennial plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. The bulbs are native to eastern and southern Asia. They were imported into North Carolina and now grow wild (Wikipedia). Lycoris are commonly referred to as hurricane lilies, spider lilies, or cluster amaryllis. These flowering bulbs typically bloom in late summer to early fall when many other plants are preparing to go dormant making them a welcome burst of color in your late season garden.
Lycoris is nearly pest and disease free, deer resistant, and drought tolerant. Adding to their appeal, lycoris plants attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden due to their light, sweet fragrance. Lycoris bulbs flower best when planted in full sun and are terrific additions to beds, borders, and containers in Zones 5-10 depending on the genus. Bold flowers are ideal as cut flowers for arrangements due to their tall scapes. The flowers bloom in groups of four to eight flowers in white, red, yellow, or orange depending on the variety.
