Also known as Surprise Lily · 245 saves
Lycoris
Lycoris, the genus most gardeners know as surprise lily. We track 29 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Lycoris varieties
See all 29 Lycoris varieties →Search this genus →
4 species of Lycoris
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lycoris in Sow
Save the Lycoris you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lycoris
Whats common across all Lycoris varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 29 most-grown of them.
The Lycoris year
- PlantJuly–September100% of varieties
Plant dormant bulbs 4-6 inches deep in late summer/early fall
- DivideJune–August90% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 5-7 years during summer dormancy
- FertilizeFebruary, March and October90% of varieties
Apply bulb fertilizer when foliage is actively growing in late winter/early spring
- DeadheadAugust–October34% of varieties
Remove spent flower scapes at the base after blooming
Do
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water during dry periods 🌱
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Overwater to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Do not disturb bulbs during dormancy
What goes wrong with Lycoris
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Narcissus Bulb Fly | Wilting and rotting bulbs | Apply organic neem oil or use insecticidal soap |
| Narcissus bulb fly | Larvae damage bulbs, causing rot | Use organic insecticidal soap or remove affected bulbs |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Bulb mites | Deterioration of bulbs and poor growth | Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed bulbs | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Bulb Rot | Soft, decayed bulbs | Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering |
| Fungal rot | Soft, decayed bulbs | Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering |
Making more Lycoris
Division
- Dig up bulbs in late summer.
- Separate offsets carefully.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
- Water well after planting.
bulb division
- Dig up bulbs after foliage dies back
- Separate offsets carefully
- Replant in well-drained soil within 6 weeks
Lycoris questions
How many types of Lycoris are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 29 distinct Lycoris varieties. The most popular — ranked by 245 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lycoris grow in?
Across its varieties, Lycoris covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lycoris bloom?
Most Lycoris varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to early fall, early fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lycoris should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.