Enchanting spider lily flowers seem to appear out of the blue, adding color to late-summer gardens.
Spider lilies move around with us in the South.
True pass-along plants, these hardy bulbs thrive in old gardens, yards, and cemeteries.
The long, delicate stems of spider lilies make them ideal for cut-flower arrangements.Credit: Ralph Lee Anderson
Their show starts a few days after a good rain shower in mid-summer through September.
From bare ground, stalks burst through and unfurl their fragrant,vibrant red showwith curvy petals and stamens.
Red spider lilies are perennials that grow from bulbs.
They tend to appear in clumps and can grow to heights of 2 to 3 feet.
They can be planted in a patch in the garden, and they can also thrive as container plants.
Plant the bulbs in late summer or early fall so the roots can establish before cold temperatures arrive.
Note that the roots and bulb are toxic to people.
Plant Attributes
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 dont need to be pruned because the foliage dies back in spring before flowering begins.
They’re useful in shrub andperennial borderstoo.
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.
Water
Keep the soil moist but dont create a soggy environment.
After the foliage dies back, stop watering until the bulbs start to bloom in late summer.
In hot weather,water dailyif needed to keep the soil moist.
Temperature And Humidity
Spider lilies dont like cold weather.
Temperatures below freezing can damage or kill some varieties.
Those grown in colder climates may need to be overwintered indoors.
Fertilizer
Spider lilies do not needfertilizer right after plantingbecause the bulbs have not yet taken root.
you’re able to trim away any browning or dying leaves for a neater appearance if desired.
Make cuts just above ground level or at the base of the stem to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagating Spider Lilies
The best way to propagate red spider lilies is division.
Another smaller cultivar,L.
radiatavar.pumila, is a lesser-known variety that reproduces by seeds.
It is time consuming since seedlings need several years to mature and bloom.
Division is the best way to propagate spider lilies.
If the container is large enough, repotting wont be necessary.
Fill the pot with organically rich soil.
Plant the bulb with the pointed end up so it is sticking up through the soil.
Space bulbs 6 to 8 inches apart.
Repot if the plant becomes root-bound or shows signs of stunted growth.
Thebest time to repotis in late summer or early fall when foliage begins to die back.
This allows the plant to focus on establishing roots.
Bulbs in containers may be brought indoors for the winter once the temperature drops below 55oF.
Choose a cool room with bright, indirect light where the plant will not be exposed to frost.
Reduce watering and replace outdoors in the spring.
Common Pests And Plant Diseases
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.
Gardeners may see spider mites that can eat the foliage and cause discoloration.
Aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs may also be an issue.
These can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
double-check the pointy end of the bulb extends out of the soil.
Extremecold temperaturescan kill the bulbs or cause them to delay flowering for the season.
Give the bulbs rich, well-draining soil, and fertilize in spring and fall to ensure blooms.
Discolored leaves are an indicator of a problem with the plant.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing leaves or mushy bulbs can indicate root rot, which iscaused by overwatering.
Spider lilies do not like wet soil, so check that to plant in well-draining soil.
Water to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Browning Tips
Browning or crispy leaf tips indicate leaf scorch.
This is a sign of too much sunlight.
Move the plant to a location that gets less direct sunlight or provide some shade during the day.
These bulbs can live for decades with proper care, sunlight, and moisture.
Divide clumps every now and then to prevent them from becoming overgrown.
Plants with similar bloom times and visual appeal include crinum lilies, lantana, salvia, and amaryllis.
North Carolina State Cooperative Extension.Lycoris radiata.
