Amaryllis belladonna and lycoris squamigera
James Waddick (Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:45:46 PDT)

Dear PBSers,

These two bulbs grow in very different climates and environments. Although I can grow various species of Lycoris easily here in Kansas City, I simply cannot grow Amaryllis b.

From my limited experience with Amaryllis here are a few points involved here:

Amaryllis Not hardy north of Zone 8 (approx)
Grow in full sun
Bulbs BAKE prior to bloom
Bulbs dry during the annual growing season

Lycoris 2 sections in the genus. The common L. squamigera
Hardy to Zone 5 and some of Zone 4, does poorly south of zone 6/7
Grow under deciduous trees with light shade during winter and spring when foliage appears.
Bulbs tolerate full sun, but do not prosper where the soil ‘bakes’.
Bulbs stay moist all year and do not dry in nature.

As more species and hybrids of Lycoris are coming into cultuivation, there is more confusion over the differing growing needs of different species. Some do well in milder climates. Seeing L. squamigera side by side with Amaryllis b. gives no doubt as to correct ID. GENERALLY the two are very different and GENERALY do not thrive in the same conditions. Unfortunately they both share the common name of ‘Naked Ladies’ or ‘Surprise Lilies’.

See http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/… <http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/…>

Best Jim W.

Dr. James Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd
Kansas City, MO 64152-2711
USA
Phone 816-746-1949

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