Spider lilies move around with us in the South. True pass-along plants, these hardy bulbs thrive in old gardens, yards, and cemeteries. Their show starts a few days after a good rain shower in midsummer through September. From bare ground, stalks burst through and unfurl their vibrant red show with curvy petals and stamens. As the flowers fade, narrow, green, straplike leaves with silver stripes emerge, persist all winter, and then disappear by spring. Long a mainstay in Southern gardens, red spider lilies go by several common names: «British soldiers,» «Guernsey lilies,» «surprise lilies,» and also their botanical name, Lycoris radiata. Try these classic flowering bulbs at home to create your own miraculous show. Note that the roots and bulb are toxic to people.
Plant Attributes
| Common Name: | Red spider lily, hurricane lily, surprise lily |
| Botanical Name: | Lycoris radiata |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Plant Type: | Bulb, perennial |
| Mature Size: | 18-24 inches tall |
| Sun Exposure: | Partial, full |
| Soil Type: | Rich, well-drained |
| Soil pH: | Slightly alkaline |
| Bloom Time: | Late summer, early fall |
| Flower Color: | Red, white, pink, orange, yellow |
| Hardiness Zones: | Zones 6-10 (USDA) |
| Native Area: | China, Japan, Korea, Nepal |
| Toxicity: | Toxic to people |
What Do Spider Lilies Look Like?
Red spider lilies are perennials that grow from bulbs. They tend to appear in clumps and can grow to heights of two to three feet. The fragrant flowers appear in mid to late summer and are delicate and bright red. They can be planted in a patch in the garden, and they can also thrive as container plants. (If you’re searching for white spider lilies, you’ll want to look for the similarly spidery Hymenocallis latifolia.)
Spider Lily Plant Care
Spider lilies are an easy choice for the garden. They lie dormant during spring and mid-summer, so no need to water them during that time. They don’t need to be pruned because the foliage dies back in spring before flowering begins.
Light
Red spider lilies can tolerate partial shade, at least two hours a day of direct sunlight, to full sun six or more hours a day.
Soil
Spider lilies prefer moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Occasionally let the soil become dry. Do not let the bulbs sit in waterlogged soil or they may rot. Spider lilies can handle a variety of soils, including loamy and sandy, as well as pH that is acidic, alkaline, and neutral.
Water
Keep the soil moist but don’t create a soggy environment. After the foliage dies back, stop watering until the bulbs start to bloom in late summer. In hot weather, water daily if needed to keep the soil moist.
Temperature and Humidity
Spider lilies don’t like cold weather. Temperatures below freezing can damage or kill them. Humidity doesn’t have a big effect on them.
Fertilizer
Spider lilies do not need fertilizer right after planting because the bulbs have not yet taken root. In early spring, you can use an 8-2-4 fertilizer to help the plant grow after its dormant period. Later, a fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorous, like 3-4-5, will help strengthen the plant after blooming and help it survive winter.
Types of Spider Lilies
There are several varieties of spider lilies, including the following:
- Golden spider lily (Lycoris aurea): This variety has yellow flowers.
- Electric blue spider lily (Lycoris sprengeri): Trumpet-shaped pink flowers feature blue-streaked tips.
- White spider lily (Lycoris albiflora): White flowers feature curled petals.
Propagating Spider Lilies
The best way to propagate red spider lilies is division. Spider lilies multiply each year, and dividing the clumps is an easy way to get new plants, as well as prevent the clumps from getting overcrowded. Divide the clumps after the plant goes dormant by gently digging up the bulbs and separating them. Plant the new bulbs.
Potting and Repotting Spider Lilies
You can grow spider lilies in containers that are large enough to accommodate the roots. Use a pot with drainage holes that is at least 12 inches wide and deep. If the container is large enough, repotting won’t be necessary.
How to Plant Spider Lilies
Spider lilies can coexist in the lawn with turf if you avoid mowing while they’re flowering and maturing their foliage. They’re useful in shrub and perennial borders too. They thrive in full sun or partial shade, so select a sunny or partly shaded spot with loose, well-drained soil. Plant spider lily bulbs so the top of each bulb neck is right at or just above the surface of the soil. For a top tip, gardeners should divide theirs just after they bloom because it’s easier to see them (and therefore to find them). Make it easy on yourself! Keep an eye on them; there’s no need to go digging blindly for bulbs below the ground.
Overwintering
During winter in colder climates, add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. Bulbs in containers may be brought indoors for the winter once the temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Common Problems with Spider Lilies
Spider lilies do not have many disease problems or pests. Avoid overwatering the plants to prevent root rot. They are deer-resistant, but pollinators are attracted to them.
Where to Buy Spider Lilies
You can find spider lilies for sale at your local nursery or garden store, and they’re also available online via most garden retailers.
WATCH: Here’s Everything You Should Know About Daylilies
Do you have a show of spider lilies in your garden in late summer? What are your favorite types of lilies?
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