Lycoris 'Satsumabijin'

Lycoris x albiflora 'Blushing Lady' is a rare amaryllis relative that has showy, spider-like flowers emerging glowing salmon pink and then developing a pale pink edge. It flowers in late summer or autumn. Lycoris resent disturbance and can take a little time to start blooming again after planting. They are dormant in summer when they appreciate a hot, dry rest, bloom in late summer and fall, and have strap-like foliage in fall, late winter and/or spring. Mulch for winter in colder zones.

This lovely pink hybrid is the result of decades of devotion from Japanes hybridizers. In some pictures you can see delicate white edging on the pink petals. I belive this is the first time it has been offered commercially in the US. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it is a hybrid involving Lycoris Radiata and Lycoris Sprengeri. It is a fall foliage hybrid and should have similar cold hardiness to Lycoris Radiata (zones 6-10). Although tollerant of lengthy dry periods, it does best with regular moisture, even during summer dormancy. As with all Lycoris, I recommend that you plant shallowly, with the top of the bulb close to the surface. The top will remain dormant until spring, but planting earlier will give a chance for roots to establish themselves. These bulbs are similar in size to a small daffodil (aproximately 8 cm around). Although we take care to send the freshest bulbs possible, it is common for Lycoris to sulk for a year or so after transplanting before gracing us with their summer blooms. This gives all the more reason to get them planted now, rather than put it off for another year. These bulbs are from the new harvest in Japan and will begin shipping in August, 2011.