This hardy bulb produces colorful flowers that bloom from midsummer to fall.
The flower is a close relative to the amaryllis and much like its kin, has a striking flower.
This plant generally puts out its foliage in spring after the coldest weather has passed.
Credit: Dan Piassick
All species in theLycorisgenus are toxic to humans and animals.
It takes spider lily a couple of years to get established and start blooming.
Pick a spot where the plants can remain undisturbed so they can form their typical small colonies.
Credit: Dan Piassick
Because the foliage disappears during the summer, interplanting it with a slow-growing ground cover is a good idea.
How and When to Plant Spider Lily
Spider lily is planted in the early fall.
Planting spider lily too deeply will affect the ability to bloom.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
The spacing depends on the variety.Lycoris radiatashould be spaced 6 to 12 inches apart andLycoris squamigera6 inches apart.
Soil and Water
Spider lilies requirewell-drained soil.
They do fine in acidic, neutral, and alkaline soil (pH 6.0 to 8.0).
During the growing season, they should get an even supply of moisture.
During their summer dormant period, they do best if the soil remains dry.
Spider lilies are tolerant of humid conditions.
Fertilizer
Fertilize spider lily twice a year.
In the early spring, use a high-nitrogen fertilizer which promotes foliage growth so the bulb can store nutrients.
Pruning
Other than removing dead foliage after the winter, spider lily does not require any pruning.
Removing foliage, unless its diseased or dead, deprives the plant of the chance to store nutrients.
Size is not the only concern.
Pests and Problems
Spider lilies have no serious problems insect or disease problems.
Deer and rodents leave spider lily alone.
Overwatering and poorly draining soil may lead to root rot.
How to Propagate Spider Lily
Spider lily can be easily propagated by division.
The best time to do this is just after the plant goes dormant in early summer.
Once the foliage has completely died back, dig up the bulbs.
It bears loose clusters of bright red, spidery blooms in early fall.
It grows 18 inches tall.
It grows 18 to 24 inches tall.
It grows 18 to 24 inches tall.
They naturalize by bulb-offset, forming small colonies over time.
There are many species andhybrids of spider lilies.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
center for aquatic and invasive plants: University of Florida, IFAS.
| Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants | University of Florida, IFAS.
