Once the darling of a few collectors, Lycoris Chinensis is now attainable because of the recent expansion of trade with China. It is a spring foliage type and therefore should be cold-hardy at least to zone 6, colder with mulch. Its native habitat is the moist, wooded slopes of Eastern China. It has the same classic spider-like flowers as Lycoris Radiata, but in a beautiful gold. The exact color of yellow is somewhat variable depending on growing conditions and the genetic expression of the particular bulb you get. Blooms in later summer. Although tollerant of dry periods, it does best with regular moisture. 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.
We sell large bulbs, aproximately 12-14 cm around but subject to some variation depending on what we dig up. 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 blooming in late summer.
Plant in partial to full shade, in well drained humus soil. Plant, 1-2 inches deeper than the top of the bulb as soon as possible so roots can start getting established. The bulbs will pull themselves down to their ideal dept. DO NOT plant more than 3 inches deeper than the top of the bulb as the bulb will expend all it's energy making another bulb on top of the existing bulb. Water thoroughly when first planted then soak twice a month if you don't have regular rain fall.
