Spider lily (Lycoris radiata)
The stunning Lycoris radiata, or Red Spider lily, offers brilliant red blooms in late summer. Hardy in Zones 6-10, this bulb requires careful bulb placement.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Spider lily (Lycoris radiata) is famous for its dramatic, late-season emergence, lending a surprising burst of color when most gardens begin to fade. This captivating bulb produces vibrant coral-red flowers, instantly recognizable by their highly reflexed tepals and noticeable stamens that resemble spider legs. This characteristic earns the common name Spider lily.
As a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, Lycoris radiata follows a unique growth cycle common to “Naked Ladies”—the flowers appear first on leafless stalks in late summer or early fall, with strap-like foliage emerging only afterward. This pattern makes proper placement crucial so the foliage, which overwinters, does not conflict with spring bloomers.
Valued for its low-maintenance nature once established, the Lycoris radiata is perfect for naturalizing, forming attractive colonies over time. Gardeners appreciate its reliable, albeit slightly delayed, performance in USDA Zones 6 through 10, rewarding patience with spectacular blooms.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Native Range: Japan
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting best occurs in the fall when the bulbs are dormant. Select a location offering full sun to light afternoon shade, noting that the best flowering often occurs with some protection from the hottest afternoon sun. The soil must be organically rich, possess medium moisture retention, and drain impeccably well. When planting Lycoris radiata, position the bulbs about 9 inches apart, ensuring the top quarter-inch of the bulb neck remains exposed above the soil line; burying the neck discourages the formation of floral buds.
During the active growing season, the plants require consistent moisture. However, a key cultural consideration is allowing the soil to become relatively dry during the summer dormancy period, which helps mimic natural conditions and promotes robustness. Plants are best left undisturbed as they will naturalize slowly via offsets, forming pleasing colonies.
In colder reaches of its hardiness range, such as Zone 6, ensure bulbs are sited in a sheltered area to protect the attractive, evergreen foliage that persists through winter before dying back in late spring. While the bulbs themselves may survive the cold, harsh winters can inhibit the development necessary for flowering the following summer. Pot culture is possible but requires very large, deep containers to allow the Spider lily to develop the extensive root system it prefers.
Landscape Uses
The naturalizing tendency of Lycoris radiata makes it an excellent choice for informal borders, woodland edges, or mass plantings where its late-season color will provide a final dramatic flourish. They look exceptionally striking planted beneath deciduous trees where they receive dappled light, and the summer dormancy period allows companion plants to shine before the foliage emerges.
For garden synergy, interplant your Spider lily bulbs with summer-blooming perennials or annuals. This strategy ensures color continuity in the garden bed, as the foliage of the Lycoris radiata hides any fading spring bulbs, and the Lycoris blooms after most summer perennials are finished. In regions prone to particularly harsh or deep freezes, consider growing these bulbs in large containers that can be moved to a protected, cool spot for the winter.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lycoris radiata, commonly called red spider lily, is a late summer-blooming bulb of the amaryllis family. Strap-like grayish-green leaves appear in fall only after bloom is finished, overwintering before dying back in late spring. Naked flower scapes emerge bearing an umbel of 4-6 showy coral-red flowers with gracefully reflexed tepals, giving the bloom a delicate, spidery appearance. Plants are sometimes commonly called hurricane lily as they flower during peak hurricane season in some regions.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
The Spider lily is generally free from serious insect or disease issues, making it a reliable garden addition once established. The primary management concern is establishment time; plants may require a few seasons, especially in borderline climates like the cool end of Zone 6, before they reliably produce their signature flower scapes. Ensure planting depth is correct, keeping the bulb necks exposed, as burying them deeply is the fastest way to prevent flowering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Spider lily suitable for?
Lycoris radiata is generally suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 10.
How large does Spider lily grow?
This bulb typically reaches a height between 1 and 2 feet, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Lycoris radiata need?
This plant succeeds in locations ranging from full sun to part shade, though best flowering performance is often achieved with some partial shade.
When does Spider lily bloom?
The plant blooms in late summer to early fall, specifically from August to September, displaying striking red flowers.
Conclusion
The unique temporal aspect of the Spider lily—flowers emerging seemingly from nowhere—makes Lycoris radiata an essential feature for late-season excitement in the perennial border. Its striking red blooms and minimal summer maintenance offer high aesthetic rewards for the dedicated gardener. Be sure to check your local hardiness zone and plan your fall planting now to enjoy the magic of the Spider lily next year.
Common Mistakes When Growing Lycoris radiata
A common error when planting the Spider lily involves incorrect bulb orientation. Gardeners often bury the entire bulb neck level with the soil surface. However, Lycoris radiata absolutely requires the neck or crown of the bulb to be exposed above the soil line for proper floral bud development. If you find your plants growing lush foliage but failing to flower, check the depth immediately.
Another pitfall relates to moisture management during dormancy. While the active growth period requires medium moisture, the bulbs must experience a relatively dry summer dormancy phase, especially in regions with high summer humidity or rainfall. Siting them where water pools or where heavy irrigation runs during summer can lead to bulb rot, hindering the plant’s ability to return year after year.
Companion Planting for Autumn Interest
When designing a bed for the Spider lily, consider companions that fill the visual void left by its summer dormancy. Plants that begin blooming in late spring or early summer and hold their appearance through mid-autumn work well. Good partners include ornamental grasses that appreciate medium moisture and partial shade, such as Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass), or late-flowering Sedum varieties that are reliably evergreen or semi-evergreen.
Because the striking red flowers of Lycoris radiata often appear when blues, whites, and yellows are still prevalent, planting contrasting cool colors alongside the warm red maximizes their visual impact. Avoid placing them directly next to plants that aggressively spread or require heavy watering right through mid-summer, as this can interfere with the Spider lily’s need for summer dryness.
