Wednesday, July 30, 2014

They Bloomed--The First Year! Lycoris Squamigera in the Crabapple Garden


DSCN1565
They bloomed--the first year!! Do you remember that back in March of this year I was busy digging up my Lycoris squamigera, aka Pink Ladies or Naked Ladies? I dug several hundred and moved them to a new 'Crabapple Garden' out on our land. I had hoped they would bloom this year but did not really have high expectations since it sometimes takes a year or two for lycoris bulbs to settle in. I was quite surprised and delighted to see a good many of the over 200 bulbs I planted in March have bloomed! It was such a delight to go to the land and see the Crabapple Garden alight with the sweet AND fragrant flowers of the Pink Ladies!
DSCN1563
I spent a lot of time planning out this little round garden alongside my new driveway and have really liked how it turned out. There is one disclaimer about new gardens though, they change! And they change a lot. Just because it has turned out great this year does not mean it will be the same next year. You must continually maintain gardens by thinning, pruning, and so on. I have no misconceptions that this garden will stay static but for now it is looking great and once the Pink Ladies fill in it should get even better.
DSCN1562
I really was not too sure these bulbs would bloom this year because their cousin, the notoriously difficult Lycoris radiata, aka Spider Lilies, is a difficult bulb to get to bulb after transplant. In fact, in my experience it will take several years (3-5) to finally get the Spider Lilies to bloom nicely. I will let you all know how they do as I did transplant a bunch of them to the new land as well.....

in the garden....
Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

8 comments:

  1. Ladies never disappoint those that take good care of them. Beautiful. Ours are blooming too. Such a sweet flower.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love those naked ladies. Sure would like to get them started here.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gorgeous! I'm glad to see your transplants doing so well.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Well that's a good surprise!
    Is that your new house I see in the background?

    ReplyDelete
  5. The way all your transplants have flourished, Tina, I just think you have a magical touch in the garden! My surprise lilies are just beginning to bloom, and I was trying to remember what you once posted about dividing them. Should I divide them after they've finished blooming? I have just a few in one spot, but enough that I think I could finally divide them and spread them around.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good morning Rose! I personally would not divide my surprise ladies this time of the year. They are simply blooming and going dormant once again plus it is really dry and not the best time to plant or divide anything right now. I think the best time to divide surprise lilies would be when they are 'in the green' and actively growing. I believe this is when the leaves are up and making food for the bulb and the roots are actively growing-February or March for you. Good luck!

      Delete
  6. Boy do gardens ever change...great perception...and yes I remember you digging these up...so nice to see them blooming.

    ReplyDelete

ALL SPAM WILL BE PROMPTLY FRIED. PLEASE DO NOT LIFT PHOTOS OR WORDS. THANKS!