Shared by Joan Miller - Friends of Chippokes, as Guest Blogger.

It will soon be time for the Naked Ladies to bloom at Chippokes State Park.

Lycoris is their Latin name and they are also known as spider lilies. 

The large drifts of bulbous plants are popular in the Southeast for the fact that their flowers appear in late Summer, when most plants are done blooming. The stem and buds flower without any foliage at all – thus they are naked until the leaves appear later. Last year they were in full bloom September 14th.

Lycoris..aka...Naked Ladies will soon be in bloom at Chippokes State Park

Also, Sternbergia Lutea or Fall Crocus bloom in concert with the naked lady, creating an impressive, colorful Fall beauty! Expense journal entries in Mrs. Evelyn Stewart’s hand from 1938-1943 list purchases of various plants, flowers, and garden accessories as she created the “Paradise Garden” at Chippokes. We do know she purchased seeds, bulbs, shrubs and plants by the hundreds.

Perhaps from the LaDew Gardens in Monkton, Maryland? Ladew Topiary Gardens are nonprofit gardens with topiary located in Monkton, Maryland. Like Chippokes, “the gardens are a hidden gem just down the road…” The gardens were established in the 1930s by socialite and huntsman Harvey S. Ladew, who in 1929 had bought a 250-acre farm to build his estate.

When I visited these gardens years ago, legend has it that Harvey LeDew ordered a 100 Lycoris bulbs. The supplier sent him a message that said,

“I can let you have 100 Naked Ladies if you think you can handle them!” 

One can only chuckle and wonder if Evelyn Stewart heard this story too. One thing for sure, these Naked Ladies and Fall Crocus never fail to pop-up annually, surprise us, and create quite a Fall production on the lawns of Chippokes State Park. 

I think of Mrs. Stewart every time. “Bless Her Heart.”  

Editor's note: The Friends of Chippokes (FOC), a 501c(3) organization, volunteers at the park and helps raise funds. It runs a seasonal gift shop, seeks donations, and helps with events and the maintenance of trails and the grounds. Click here to view the group's webcam. FOC depends on volunteers willing to work on improving the park. The group meets on the second Saturday of each month. Membership is $15 per person, $25 per family. Email president@chippokes.com for more information. 

I am hesitant to search Google for this floral term, but wonder if the Canadian rock band "Barenaked Ladies" is perhaps really a secret group of botanists and are actually named after these flowering beauties? You just never know.

Directions to Chippokes State Park and more information can be found here.