Gardeners enjoying the winter camellias could also be watching their Amazon lilies push up clusters of white trumpet-like blooms in their landscapes. Yes they do look like narcissus but they are much more reliable. And here is something very nice, they need to grow in the shade.

Amazon lilies prefer a site under a tree or large shrub.  They flourish in shade to filtered sun producing big green leaves much like the northern hosta.  But unlike the hosta these plants are evergreen, meaning they have  foliage year-round. They are also relatively drought tolerant plants usually only needing the seasonal rains to survive.

Here is something special too.  The lilies flower during the moderating weather often starting in mid December and lasting through February.  Flowering time has much to do with the weather.  They appear to be short day plants, meaning they push up the blooms during the short days or long nights of winter.  Warm temperatures can speed them along and cool times delay the flowering.

Now, where do you find the bulbs?  Independent garden centers often have Amazon lilies for spring planting.  You can also order them from Internet nurseries. Grow them in a loose well-drained soil and keep moist to get them established. Then water as you would other landscape plantings in the area.  You can add a light mulch to help conserve moisture and control weeds.

Amazon lilies require almost no additional care.  You can cut off the old flower stalks as needed.  Also, apply a light feeding in March, May and August.  Just enjoy the big green leaves during the warmer months and big white blooms in the shady spots during the winter.