Peppermint spider lily (Lycoris incarnata)
Discover Lycoris incarnata, the Peppermint spider lily, featuring spectacular pink/white blooms in September. Hardy in Zones 5-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Lycoris incarnata, widely known as the Peppermint spider lily, offers a dramatic late-season floral display perfect for gardeners seeking visual surprises. Originating from China, this bulbous perennial emerges with striking leafless flower stalks, lending it the nickname “resurrection flower.” Gardeners prize the Lycoris incarnata for its elegant umbels of pale pink to white flowers accented dramatically by deep red midveins, appearing exactly when summer blooms fade.
This herbaceous species, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, grows reliably as a bulb, requiring attention to drainage, particularly during its summer dormancy period. Providing both height and unexpected color in the early fall, the Peppermint spider lily establishes itself as a reliable feature when fall interest is crucial in the landscape.
Proper siting of Lycoris incarnata allows it to naturalize slowly, forming attractive, low-maintenance colonies over time. Its ease of care, combined with its unique blooming habit, makes the Peppermint spider lily a valuable, almost magical addition to temperate gardens.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Native Range: China
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: September
- Bloom Description: Pink to white with contrasting red midvein
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting the Lycoris incarnata bulbs should occur in the fall. Choose a location that provides moist, organically rich, well-drained soil, performing well even in sandy loams. Site bulbs approximately 9 inches apart, ensuring the top one-quarter inch of the bulb neck remains exposed above the soil line.
While active, these plants demand consistent moisture. However, a critical cultural requirement for the Peppermint spider lily is drier soil conditions during the summer dormancy when the foliage has died back. This prevents bulb rot and encourages healthy reblooming the following season.
For gardeners north of USDA Zone 5, container culture is necessary. In these colder regions, grow bulbs in deep containers and move them indoors to overwinter, protecting them from freezing temperatures. Established plants are best left undisturbed to naturalize; relocation may result in a temporary pause in flowering for one or more seasons.
Landscape Uses
The dramatic, late-season bloom of the Lycoris incarnata makes it an excellent choice for sunny borders where its height and color contrast effectively with shorter bedding plants. These bulbs thrive when interplanted with low-growing ground covers or late-season annuals that can mask the foliage after it fades in summer.
Because they lack foliage when flowering, use the Peppermint spider lily strategically alongside perennials that offer solid summer structure, such as hostas or ornamental grasses, to create a more cohesive look throughout the season. The striking appearance of the flower stalks ensures they hold visual interest right up until frost.
For areas with harsh winters, utilizing containers allows everyone to enjoy the beauty of this species. Containers can be strategically placed on patios or near entryways for maximum impact and then easily moved to protected areas when winter approaches.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The Lycoris incarnata, commonly called peppermint spider lily, is a herbaceous perennial native to mountain slopes of Hubei and Yunnan provinces in China. The strap-like foliage emerges from the underground bulb in spring before dying back in summer. The scapes (leafless flowering stalks) will reach around 2’ tall and emerge in early fall, bearing umbels of 6-12 blooms that feature pale pink to white tepals with dark pink to red colored midveins. The name peppermint spider lily aptly describes the appearance of these blooms, and the genus is famous for its “surprise lily” habit of flowers appearing seemingly overnight after summer dormancy.
Tolerances
No entries were found for Tolerances.
Potential Problems
This species generally exhibits no serious insect or disease problems, benefiting from its status as a relatively tough perennial bulb. Gardeners should be aware that plants may require a few seasons to fully establish themselves, especially in newer garden environments, which can sometimes lead to inconsistent flowering initially. Management involves avoiding overly wet conditions during summer dormancy to prevent fungal issues common to bulbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Peppermint spider lily suitable for?
The Lycoris incarnata is winter hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Peppermint spider lily grow?
This bulb typically reaches a height between 1.5 and 2 feet, with a similar spread of 1.5 to 2 feet when fully mature.
What sun exposure does Lycoris incarnata need?
The ideal siting for Lycoris incarnata balances full sun exposure with partial shade, thriving best where it receives ample light without excessive, scorching afternoon heat.
When does Lycoris incarnata bloom?
This species produces its flowers in September, featuring characteristic pink to white blooms highlighted by a contrasting red midvein on each tepal.
Conclusion
The Peppermint spider lily offers late-season spectacle and low long-term maintenance once established, making the Lycoris incarnata a worthwhile investment for temperate gardeners. Remember to adhere strictly to its required summer dry period to ensure successful bulb health and reliable fall flowering. Check your local USDA zone compatibility before planning your autumn planting schedule for this mystery lily.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for the Lycoris incarnata, focus on plants that offer texture or color that complements its fall bloom or that can disguise the foliage when it dies back mid-summer. Suitable partners include Sedums, especially low-growing varieties, which share the need for drier summer conditions and thrive in similar light requirements. Consider using ornamental grasses with finer textures near the base to enhance the drama of the leafless flower stalks emerging.
Avoid heavy feeders or plants requiring constantly moist summer soil, as this competes with the essential dormant period needed by the bulbs. Ground covers that hug the soil surface work well, as they help shade the soil in spring before the Lycoris incarnata foliage begins to senesce.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring marks the initial appearance of the strap-like leaves of the Lycoris incarnata; during this active growth phase, ensure medium watering needs are met consistently. As early summer approaches and temperatures rise, reduce watering significantly once the foliage begins to yellow and die back—this signals the onset of summer dormancy.
Fall is the spectacular moment when the leafless scapes emerge rapidly, delivering the signature bloom of the Peppermint spider lily. Do not disturb these flowering stalks; allow them to fully finish their cycle before cleanly removing them. In late fall, the true planting window opens; this is the time to amend the soil and plant new bulbs, setting the stage for the following year’s display.
Propagation Tips
The primary method for increasing your stock of Lycoris incarnata is through natural offsets, as the bulbs will gradually divide and form small colonies when left undisturbed. If you must transplant or divide established clumps, aim to do so immediately after the foliage has completely died back in summer or just before the fall planting window opens. Be aware that division often interrupts the flowering cycle, and transplanted bulbs may skip blooming for one or two years while they re-establish their root systems.
