The hardiest species in the Lycoris genus, Surprise Lily is native to southeast China, Japan, and Korea and has grown in American gardens since about 1880. Its seasonal rhythm is one of the most dramatic in the bulb world: silvery gray-green strap leaves emerge in late winter, grow to about 12 inches, and then die back completely by late spring. Through the summer the garden shows no sign of anything. Then in late August or early fall, 2-foot stalks rise on bare ground carrying 5 to 7 pale pink trumpet-shaped blooms with a faint lilac tinge and a subtle fragrance. The species name squamigera refers to small scales on the petals that produce an iridescent shimmer in good light.

Surprise Lily is easy to grow given a few conditions: full sun to partial shade, well-drained fertile soil, and firm restraint on watering during the summer rest period. Plant bulbs 8 to 12 inches deep and 6 inches apart, in a spot they will not need to leave — transplanting sets them back and they will not bloom in the first year after division regardless. A 2-inch layer of mulch over winter protects bulbs from cold injury below 28°F. Because the plant is triploid, it sets no seed; division every 3 years or so keeps clumps from overcrowding. Plant them among perennials or groundcovers to soften the months when they are absent.