Lycoris 'Orange Glow' is a fascinating new surprise lily, that we're thrilled to share for the first time in 2025. This tri-specific cross of three hardy, spring-leaf species, Lycoris sanguinea, sprengeri, and chinensis has a murky origin. It was first noticed by NC bulb grower Carl Van Staalduinen in a batch of Lycoris x squamigera, that traces back decades earlier to a bulb broker in California. Past that, the trail runs cold, but to our knowledge, this is the first orange-flowered, spring-foliage hybrid that should thrive for gardeners in cold climates. For us, the 2' tall stalks emerge in late August, with heads of 6-7 reddish-orange buds, lightly tipped in blue that open to stunning, bright orange flowers. After flowering, the foliage doesn't emerge until early March (NC).
