Spider Lily Grow Guide: How to Grow Spider Lilies

Spider lilies (Lycoris) are perennial flowering plants that belong to the Amaryllis family. They bloom with flowers that have long, thin petals and inward-curling stamens resembling spider legs, which is where they get their common name. Spider lily flowers bloom in the late summer and early fall from long, thin stems with no surrounding foliage. These flowers also go by the names surprise lilies, hurricane lilies, or magic lilies, due to the sudden nature of their bloom time.

Spider lilies thrive in mild climates found in USDA Hardiness Zones 6–9, and they go dormant in the winter. These deer-resistant flowers also attract helpful pollinators like hummingbirds when you plant them in your garden. Their showy blooms also make for excellent cut flowers for bouquets.

Here are some of the most popular cultivars of spider lily:

1. 1. ‘Golden Spider Lily’: The golden spider lily (Lycoris aurea) is similar in appearance to the red and white varieties, but it blooms brilliant yellow-orange flowers. The petals of the ‘Golden Spider Lily’ curl at their ends, and they bloom suddenly in early fall.
2. 2. ‘Red Spider Lily’: The ‘Red Spider Lily’ (Lycoris Radiata) blooms with vibrant coral red flowers following its summer dormancy. They are native to Southeastern China and South Japan. They grow well in USDA Hardiness Zones 6–10.
3. 3. “Resurrection Lily’: The ‘Resurrection Lily’ (Lycoris squamigera) blooms in early fall with broad-petalled violet flowers. The petals of the ‘Resurrection Lily’ are longer than the flower's stamens, giving it an appearance similar to the traditional lily.
4. 4. ‘White Spider Lily’: Lycoris albiflora blooms spider-shaped flowers in white. Its stunning white flowers bloom from long stems and have creamy-pink stripes down their petals.

Plant spider lily bulbs in late summer or early fall to take advantage of their fall growing season. You will have to wait a year before the flower blooms for the first time. These flowers will not tolerate winter temperatures below twenty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, so consider planting your spider lilies in containers and moving them inside if you live in an area with extreme winter temperatures.

You can also overwinter your plants by covering their root systems with a layer of mulch. Overwintering is a process that involves leaving cold-hardy plants in the ground to continue growing during the winter months.

You can grow spider lilies by planting bulbs, which you can purchase from your garden centers or nurseries. Follow this simple tutorial for planting spider lily bulbs in your garden:

• Choose a location. Spider lilies need full sun but can also grow in partial shade. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least five hours of direct sunlight a day. Spider lilies are dormant during summer, so there’s no need to water them during that time. Choose a spot away from any irrigation systems that water your plants automatically.
• Prepare the soil. Spider lilies need well-draining, alkaline soil (with a soil pH level above seven). Add mulch, bark, and compost to your garden's soil to help with drainage. Dig a hole roughly the size of your spider lily bulb. Place your spider lily bulbs six to nine inches apart if you’re planting multiple plants.
• Plant the bulbs. Place the flower bulb in the hole so that the top quarter is above ground level. Gently backfill the hole so to secure the bulb firmly in the soil.
• Water immediately. Water your bulb immediately after planting. Continue watering your flowers regularly and keep the soil around them moist as they establish themselves.

Here are a few tips for caring for your spider lily plants:

• Seasonal watering: The spider lily’s late summer to winter growing season is the opposite of many other flowering perennials, which typically flourish in the spring or summer. During this time, spider lilies need active watering to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Discontinue watering after the plant’s foliage has died off in early spring. Resume watering again in late summer, when the next growing season begins.
• Fertilize as necessary: Spider lilies need different fertilizers for different times of the year. Feed your plant a high nitrogen fertilizer in early spring to encourage blooming in early fall. Feed your plants with a high phosphorus fertilizer when they flower in the fall to help them survive the winter climate.
• Grow in pots: You can grow spider lilies in containers or pots if you experience severe winters. Ensure that your container is deep enough to allow the spider lily's root structure adequate space to grow.

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