naked ladies

 

The proper name is Lycoris radiate but these exotic flowers may also be known as naked ladies, magic lilies or red spider lilies.  First a green tip emerges from the soil and grows skyward at a visible rate.  Then, like red fireworks, the flowers bloom.  Myth has it they emerge two weeks before the autumn rain.  After the blooms fade, the leaves show up.  My naked ladies originally came from my parents' neighbors' flowerbed and have moved with me several times.  It's always a delight when they brightened the yard.