Bloom of the Day: Surprise Lilly (Lycoris squamigera)



Lycoris Squamigera (Wow)!

Today's specimen is the "Surprise Lily" which not only grows in North America but in Japan, also emerging there in early spring.  The surprise is that even after a number of years, I see the leaf growth and forget what it is that I planted in that particular spot!

 "Ah, that's it, the Surprise Lily".  I have a friend that calls them the "Magic Lily" for the same reason:  when they emerge, they have no bloom and no stalk, just leaves.  They die back and then in July and August, overnight, they pop up and bloom!  This time, it is in reverse; there are blooms on a stalk but no leaves.  They last a few days and are very fragrant and delicate.  I appreciate their surprise to the garden landscape. Wherever you decide to plant the simple bulbs; either regimented in clusters for the Wow-mass-color effect, or, in random places to affect naturalizing, they are a great and simple addition to the garden.  No muss-no fuss and lots of joy.  Plant them, walk away.  They like sun or shade, do not require any particular watering, pruning or management.

 I think a good husband would be like that.  Shows up unexpectedly, wants to be around and beautify the place, is low maintenance and gives lots of joy and is a perennial, coming back on a regular basis.  If he were self-sustaining, did not require tons of money, liked to please me and would be effortless about doing so, what's not to like about that?

  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be off meeting my son in a different state, taking him to see The Ancient Ones; my mom and step-dad who are between them 178 years young, before son goes on a mission trip for a year. 

  As our offspring carve their own way into the landscape of life, may they be healthy, responsible, loving, kind and generous of spirit, forgiving in heart and willing to be a joy to all that meet them along the way.

 It should not be a surprise that he is because that is what I tried to teach him.  Sometimes it is a surprise that the life's lessons stuck and, have grown into a fine specimen in his own right, in his own pool of sunshine.