How many colors do lycoris radiata come in? A full analysis of common flower colors

Lycoris radiata is an excellent perennial herbaceous flower, also known as black garlic, red spider lily, manjusaka, and more. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lycoris genus in the Amaryllidaceae family, native to China and Japan, and is now widely cultivated around the world. In gardens it is often used for greening shady areas, can serve as flowerbed or flower-path material, and is also a beautiful cut flower. Let us take a look below at how many colors lycoris radiata come in!

How many colors do lycoris radiata come in?

The flowers of lycoris radiata come in blood red and snow white. The red lycoris radiata is also known as manjusaka, and the white lycoris radiata is also known as mandarava. Snow white and blood red lycoris radiata together represent death. It is said that mandarava blooms on the road to heaven, while manjusaka covers the path through hell. Both represent death, yet one leans toward another interpretation of death——rebirth, while the other leans toward wandering and lingering over pain and regret——fall. So hell and heaven are separated by only a thin line; the so-called difference between angels and demons is merely color and the meaning each carries.

When does lycoris radiata bloom?

Lycoris radiata usually blooms from July to September, with July being the peak blooming period. Legend says that the three days around the spring equinox are called the spring equinox Higan, and the three days around the autumn equinox are called the autumn equinox Higan, and because lycoris radiata blooms during the autumn equinox Higan period and is very punctual, it is called Higanbana. At the same time, lycoris radiata likes scattered light and does not like strong light, so the light should not be too strong. It needs acidic, sandy, breathable, and well-drained soil. Bulbs generally need 2 to 3 years before they bloom well.

What are the flower meanings of lycoris radiata?

1. Red lycoris radiata: Red lycoris radiata is manjusaka, and its flower meaning is “endless eternal life, the omen of world destruction, the call of the other shore”.

2. White lycoris radiata: White lycoris radiata is mandarava, and its flower meaning is “endless longing, hopeless love, a letter from heaven”.

Why does lycoris radiata fail to bloom?

1. Soil problems

[Cause] Lycoris radiata likes slightly acidic soil. Because of watering, the soil may gradually become alkaline, which can also cause the soil to harden, and the bulbs may therefore lack oxygen or even rot.

[Solution] Loosen the soil and sprinkle on ferrous sulfate water, but do not add too much, otherwise the leaves will not be able to fall off normally.

2. Planted too deep

[Cause] If lycoris radiata is planted too deep, even the top of the bulb is covered by soil, and if the soil is too hard, it makes it difficult for lycoris radiata to produce flower stems, resulting in failure to bloom.

[Solution] Reduce the planting depth; planting it like garlic is enough.

3. Flowerpot too small

[Cause] If the flowerpot used for planting lycoris radiata is too small, the space for bulb growth is too cramped, which can cause some bulbs to grow deformed and affect blooming.

[Solution] In October, dig out the bulbs and replant them separately. The planting depth is the same as above. If after separate planting they still cannot send up flowers, dig out the bulbs again and divide them once more.