Well, I haven’t had too many surprises of late as I take my morning walks around the property. The hibiscus flowers were a welcome spot of color, but they gave me a heads up with their buds. The black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) and purple coneflowers (echinacea) are slowly fading away. The phlox are mostly little seedpods waiting to burst, and the mints have sent up their lavender flowers.
Well, the farm still has her secrets! I actually dropped my jaw when I saw this spot of pink. I didn’t see the buds a few days ago, so it’s almost as if they sprouted from nowhere on the side of the porch where I don’t always peak.
The plant looks like an Amaryllis, but I don’t see the leaves at the base I’m accustomed to seeing. Admittedly, the extent of my Amaryllis experience consists of watering a coworker’s plant about 10 years ago. I’m not even sure when Amaryllis naturally bloom in the mid-Atlantic if planted outside.
Can anyone confirm what this is? I have this overzealous desire to label all of the flowers on the farm :) Please share any tips to help it reach its fullest potential. It’s in full sun. – Stacey Morgan Smith
<<UPDATE – looks like my suprise pink amaryllis is really a surprise lilly, or Lycoris squamigera. How fitting that it surprised me!>>
*** This site is comprised solely of the opinions of its author, Stacey Morgan Smith. She works to promote gardening and tourism in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, from Roanoke to the Potomac River.***
They look like Lycoris Squamigera to me. I have planted some last fall and I am anxiously waiting for them to bloom. I read that they might not bloom the first year they are planted, but I am still hoping. :)
Thanks! I agree. I noticed them today en masse at a few homes, and they really are lovely.
I can’t find a website where I may purchase these bulbs. I had them in my garden 40 years ago but moved to another state and was unable to dig any out to take with me due to circumstances. Can you help me find a source? Thank you in advance, Sharran
Sharran, I’ll have to check around for you. I don’t know of a source offhand.