Resurrection lily

* Common name: Resurrection lily

* Botanical name: Lycoris squamigera

* What it is: An unusual bulb in that it sends up its strappy green leaves in spring but doesn’t flower until late summer. The foliage dies back to the ground by June, then bare flower stalks (no leaves) emerge in August to flower with mildly fragrant, upward-facing, tubular flowers of lavender-pink into early September. Because the plant seems to rise leaflessly from the dead, it has such nicknames as resurrection lily, surprise lily and naked lady. Note: leaves are toxic, which is why deer don’t eat these.

* Size: Foliage grows 15-18 inches tall. Flower stalks can grow up to 2 feet tall. Space bulbs 6 inches apart.

* Where to use: Plant in clusters of at least 10 or 12 in border beds, along wooded edges or under trees. Will colonize over time. Full sun to part shade.

* Care: Resurrection lily bulbs are best planted when dormant over summer in loose, well drained soil or raised beds. Scatter an organic, granular bulb fertilizer over the bed in early spring and early fall each year to maximize performance. Let foliage die back naturally in spring. Do not cut it while green. Dead flower stalks can be raked off any time from late fall to winter’s end. Soak weekly during dry weather when plants are growing.

* Great partners: Plant bulbs into a low groundcover so there’s something over the bare ground in summer. Leadwort and creeping sedum are good options. Resurrection lily stalks will poke up through it.