Naked Ladies Lily

Lycoris squamigera

Lycoris squamigera, or commonly known as Naked Ladies, Surprise Lily, Resurrection lily, or Magic lily.  It is a herbaceous plant grown from a bulb, with basal, simple leaves which are not present when the flowers emerge from the ground. (The leaves sprout and grow in the spring, then die back during June.)

Then in mid August (depending on weather) the flowers appear. The flowers, which are white or pink and slightly fragrant, spring up dramatically from the ground.  In only four to five days from first emergence they are in full bloom. This suddenness is reflected in its common names.  Attractive to butterflies and people alike, but the deer do not enjoy them.  I guess they're offended?  (Bulbs usually available for planting spring or fall - can be dug and divided after foliage dies back in the spring, or after the flower is finished in late August.)