Spider Lily Care Must-Knows
These easy-to-grow perennial bulbs are often planted and then forgotten. They grow best in well-drained soil with moderate moisture during the growing season. Although it’s not necessary, some spider lilies appreciate a dry spell in their dormant summer period. When planting spider lily bulbs, the neck of the bulb should be planted just below the surface of the soil. These plants can be left alone for many years and will create impressively large collections of flowers. Spider lilies can easily be grown in full sun to part shade, though they’ll do best where they get some shade. This plant is toxic if eaten, making it deer and pest resistant. However, that makes it important to keep pets and small children away. The best time to divide or transplant a spider lily is just after it goes dormant in early summer. Once the foliage has completely died back, dig up the bulbs. Division is not necessary because these plants will easily form multiple clumps on their own. You can often see large established colonies growing in places such as cemeteries or churchyards.
New Innovations
While not exceptionally common, there are some spectacular varieties and hybrids available. Many of these hybrids are fairly hard to find, as they are bred by small, independent breeders and not available at mainstream locations. This makes finding one of these hybrids even more fulfilling. Some of these plants feature stunning color combinations such as pink with blue tips, which is not found in the straight species.
More Varieties of Spider Lily
Naked ladies
Lycoris squamigera produces its strappy leaves in spring. By summer the leaves disappear and you see no sign of the plant until fall, when the lilac-pink flowers appear out of nowhere. These magical flowers grow 18 inches tall. Zones 5-10
Red spider lily
Lycoris radiata bears loose clusters of bright red, spidery blooms in early fall. It grows 18 inches tall. Zones 7-10
