How to Transplant a Surprise Lily

Surprise lilies (Lycoris spp.) are bulbous perennials that produce showy, fragrant flowers in late summer or early fall. They are native to China and Japan, and are popular garden plants in many parts of the world. Surprise lilies are relatively easy to transplant, but it is important to do so carefully to avoid damaging the bulbs.

Here are the steps on how to transplant a surprise lily:

1. Choose a time to transplant. The best time to transplant surprise lilies is in the fall, after the flowers have faded but before the leaves have died back. This will give the bulbs time to establish themselves before the winter.

2. Prepare the new planting site. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil. If the soil is heavy, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.

3. Dig up the surprise lily bulbs. Use a shovel or garden fork to carefully dig up the bulbs, being careful not to damage them. Avoid severing the roots, as they are used for storing food and water.

4. Divide the bulbs, if necessary. If the bulbs are large, you can divide them to create new plants. To do this, use a sharp knife to cut the bulb in half, making sure that each half has a growing point.

5. Plant the surprise lily bulbs. Set the bulbs in the planting hole, spacing them 6-8 inches apart. Cover the bulbs with soil and water thoroughly.

6. Mulch the planting site. Apply a layer of mulch, such as compost or bark, around the planting site to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.

After transplanting, keep the surprise lily bulbs well-watered until they establish themselves. New growth should appear in the spring.

Here are some additional tips for transplanting surprise lilies:

* Water the surprise lily bulbs thoroughly before digging them up. This will help to loosen the soil and make it easier to remove the bulbs.

* When digging up the bulbs, be careful not to damage the roots. Use a shovel or garden fork to loosen the soil around the bulbs, then gently lift them out of the ground.

* If you are dividing the bulbs, make sure that each half has a growing point. The growing point is the small, white bump at the base of the bulb.

* When planting the bulbs, set them in the planting hole with the growing point facing up.

* Cover the bulbs with soil and water thoroughly.

* Mulch the planting site with compost or bark to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.

* Keep the surprise lily bulbs well-watered until they establish themselves. New growth should appear in the spring.