The Spring of West Lake Spider Lily (Lycoris ʽThe Spring of West Lake’)

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Lycoris 'The Spring of West Lake' - Cultivar Features and Botany

Gardeners highly prize Lycoris 'The Spring of West Lake' for its magnificent, delicate blossoms that appear in late summer. This cultivar stands out due to its soft pastel tones and ruffled tepal margins that evoke the serene beauty of the historic West Lake region.

As a deciduous bulbous geophyte, it transitions rapidly from a dormant phase to a spectacular flowering display. The leafless flower stalks emerge suddenly, bearing clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers before the foliage develops in the cooler months.

Taxonomy

∟ царство Plantae
∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
∟ Angiosperms
∟ monocots
∟ order Asparagales
∟ family Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis family)
∟ subfamily Amaryllidoideae
∟ tribe Lycorideae
∟ genus Lycoris (Spider Lily)
∟ cultivar Lycoris ʽThe Spring of West Lake’ (The Spring of West Lake Spider Lily)

Morphology

The structural features of this cultivar display the characteristic elegance of the genus. Its underground tunicated bulb is ovoid and serves as the primary storage organ for nutrients.

Key morphological aspects include:

Scapes: Solid, erect stems reaching heights of 40 to 60 cm, terminating in an umbel of flowers.
Tepals: Significantly reflexed and wavy along the margins, presenting a delicate blend of cream, pink, and yellow hues.
Stamens: Long, prominent filaments that extend far beyond the perianth, adding to the airy appearance of the inflorescence.

Flowering season

Late summer to early autumn

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Applications

Landscapers incorporate this cultivar into mixed borders and woodland gardens where its late-season blooms provide vibrant accents. The striking form of the inflorescences makes them excellent for cut flower arrangements.

In public parks and botanical collections, it is frequently grouped to create dramatic drifts of color. Its ability to naturalize under deciduous trees makes it valuable for low-maintenance semi-wild designs.

Interesting facts

The cultivar's name directly references the legendary West Lake (Xihu) in Hangzhou, China, celebrated for its scenic beauty. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits a distinct hysteranthous growth habit, meaning it flowers when completely devoid of leaves.