Marguerite wrote > What is the difference between Amaryllis belladona and Lycoris squam.? > This came up at a recent garden club member discussion because almost > none of these flowers bloomed in Aug., and someone noticed the foliage > starting up recently. > > We have many sites throughout the community where 'Naked Ladies' > generally bloom with no human interference. Usually, we have a couple of > heavy rains in August, which seems to get them on their way. This > summer, we assumed the lack of bloom was due to lack of water during the > summer. Kelly replied > Your quickest distinction will be foliage emergence. Amaryllis > belladonna will push foliage in the fall. Lycoris squamigera will begin > to push foliage in February. Ummm... Maybe Marguerite meant Lycoris radiata, the red one (hurricane lilies to some.) It grows easily and blooms readily in our warmer-wintered Western climates. Its leaves emerge a little before Amaryllis beladonna (naked ladies.) Isn't Lycoris squamigera pink-flowered, almost the same pink as Amaryllis beladonna? One can tell them apart at a glance. Amaryllis leaves are much wider than Lycoris radiata and a lighter green. Lycoris radiata leaves are very dark green. My Lycoris radiata didn't bloom well at all this year. Leo Martin Phoenix Arizona USA