This is my first time planting Lycoris of any species, and unfortunately Lycoris radiata isn't the most hardy of the genus.

I think I bought the fertile diploid form, which is rated at zone 7 minimum, but my area is rated as a zone 6B with temperatures regularly going down to -25 C in February and possible frosts well into late May. Would it be possible to leave Lycoris radiata in the ground without protection and have it thrive?

My guess is that the late winter freeze in February would be awful for Lycoris radiata leaves. If anyone has any experience growing Lycoris radiata in zone 6 or colder I would love to hear about your experience or method!

I grow lycoris, but not in a cold zone. What I know about lycoris is that it does not like to be moved. Moving delays flowers (but not the green) for up to 2 years.The green leaves ( looks like liriope) come up after the flower (September) and stay until the next June. The leaves disappear over summer, by then they they have fed the bulb. I think planting and lifting would not yield the results you would want. How about planting it in a pot? The pot could be placed where it would not freeze. Hopefully someone in your area could have more ideas.Have a joyful day and sorry I could not have helped more.