The many common names of Lycoris squamigera are as whimsical as the plant itself.

It has been called magic lily, mystery lily, resurrection lily, sesame lily, and most commonly, surprise lily and naked lady.

What’s so surprising?

Surprise lilies unexpectedly appear in your garden.

Surprise lilies grow from bulbs.

The most miraculous thing about surprise lilies is that they seemingly rise from the dead.

They appear as a mass of silvery green, strap-like leaves in spring, die back to the ground by July and reemerge as a sturdy single stem bearing a cluster of delicate, fragrant, pink flowers in late summer.

Part of their charm is their ability to appear when least expected.

Where do surprise lilies come from?

Lycoris squamigera is not actually a lily but a member of the amaryllis family.

It has been mistakenly sold as Amaryllis halli.

The name Lycoris references a minor Greek goddess, and squamigera means “bearing scales,” referring to small scales that give the flower an iridescent sheen.

Surprise lilies are native to Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea and have been sold in the United States since the late 1800s.

They do not appear to be invasive in North America, but bear watching because of their ability to naturalize and spread in wild areas.

Surprise lilies steadily multiply over time.

They reproduce by growing small offshoot bulbs, called offsets or “pups,” next to the main bulb underground.

They multiply quickly from the small offshoot bulbs.

Over time, these offsets form dense clumps that expand your garden display.

Surprise lily bulbs can be purchased from online sources or local garden centers.

They can be planted in spring or fall but be patient because they will not bloom the first year after planting.

Choose a spot with fertile soil in sun or shade and plant five to six inches deep.

They should be watered moderately when they are growing.

Surprise lilies reproduce from their bulb offshoots and may be divided every three years.

Though the trumpet-shaped flowers are beautiful, their appearance on stout, two-foot-high, naked stems can be a little shocking.

They might be planted in a perennial border that includes interesting foliage from other plants, including plants that bloom earlier in the summer.

They make good companions for hosta foliage.

Another surprise: They are relatively pest-free.

Deer and rabbits avoid feeding on surprise lilies.

They have no serious insect or disease problems.

Surprise lilies’ greatest threat is extremely cold winter temperatures.

They should be insulated for the winter with a two-inch layer of mulch.

What to do with surprise lilies after they bloom?

After surprise lilies finish blooming in late summer, cut back the spent flower stalks, let the upcoming spring foliage grow undisturbed to feed the bulb, and avoid summer watering.

Whether you call them surprise lily or naked lady, Lycoris squamigera add beauty and fragrance to your garden.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Lehigh County Extension Office Staff and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613