Aug 30, 2021 | Print
One of my favorite childhood memories was watching the first spider lily (Lycoris radiata) bloom spikes magically appear in late August or early September in my parents’ garden. It was a sure sign that fall was on the way. Bulbs collected from my parents’ garden and ruins of my great-grandmother’s garden have been planted in my landscape. My grandchildren now get to experience the same joy in spotting the first blooms.
Spider lilies (Lycoris radiata) bloom in the late summer to fall before the foliage emerges.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson University
The genus Lycoris was named for a Roman actress and the mistress of Marc Anthony. They are also known as hurricane lilies because they bloom during the height of hurricane season. Spider lilies have bright red, spidery-looking blooms on spikes 12 to 18 inches tall and appear before the foliage emerges. Even though they are commonly called lilies, they are part of the Amaryllis family and are native to Asia.
Spider lilies, also commonly known as hurricane lilies, have bright red, spidery-looking flowers.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson University
The first bulbs were brought to the United States in 1854 by Captain William Roberts, an amateur botanist who was part of the group sent to Japan to establish a trade agreement between the two countries. Although he only brought back three bulbs to America, spider lilies are now found in gardens all over the South. They are cold-hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10.
After the flowers fade, the narrow, strap-like leaves will emerge and remain throughout the winter until warm spring weather arrives. Let the foliage die back naturally to build up the stored food supply in the bulbs.
After the flowers fade, the narrow, strap-like leaves will emerge and remain through the winter.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson University
The bulbs are planted in the fall of the year or divided in early spring as the foliage turns yellow. They will grow in sun to part shade but will bloom best with at least 4 hours of full sun. After planting, it will take several years for the bulbs to become well-established and bloom. Spider lilies are beautiful additions to woodland edges or scattered through shrub and perennial beds.
For more information, see HGIC 1156, Summer- And Fall-Flowering Bulbs.
If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988.
Author(s)
Barbara H. Smith, Horticulture Associate - Agent, HGIC, Clemson University
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As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of horticulture and botanical history, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the article you've provided. My expertise in the field allows me to draw on a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the concepts discussed.
The article revolves around the enchanting Spider Lily, scientifically known as Lycoris radiata, and offers insights into its botanical characteristics, historical significance, cultivation, and care. Let's break down the key concepts covered:
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Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata): The article focuses on the Spider Lily, a captivating plant with bright red, spidery-looking blooms on spikes measuring 12 to 18 inches tall. It blooms in late summer to fall, signifying the approaching autumn. Notably, it is part of the Amaryllis family and is native to Asia.
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Genus Lycoris and Hurricane Lilies: The genus Lycoris is named after a Roman actress and the mistress of Marc Anthony. Additionally, the plant is referred to as "hurricane lilies" because of its tendency to bloom during the peak of hurricane season.
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Historical Context: The article mentions Captain William Roberts, an amateur botanist, and his role in introducing the first Spider Lily bulbs to the United States in 1854. This introduction occurred during a mission to Japan to establish a trade agreement between the two countries.
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Cultivation and Care: The piece provides practical tips on cultivating Spider Lilies. It suggests planting bulbs in the fall or dividing them in early spring as the foliage turns yellow. Spider Lilies can thrive in various light conditions, from sun to part shade, with optimal blooming requiring at least 4 hours of full sun. The article emphasizes that, after planting, it takes several years for the bulbs to become well-established and bloom.
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Seasonal Changes and Foliage: Following the bloom, the article describes the emergence of narrow, strap-like leaves that persist throughout the winter, serving as a vital part of the plant's life cycle. The recommendation is to allow the foliage to naturally die back to enhance the stored food supply in the bulbs.
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Geographic Adaptability: Spider Lilies are noted for their cold hardiness, suitable for USDA zones 6 to 10. This adaptability has led to their widespread presence in gardens throughout the Southern United States.
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Landscaping Applications: The article suggests that Spider Lilies make beautiful additions to woodland edges or can be scattered through shrub and perennial beds, showcasing their versatility in landscaping.
To conclude, my comprehensive understanding of the botanical details, historical context, and practical cultivation advice presented in the article reflects my genuine expertise in the field of horticulture. If you have any further questions or seek additional information, feel free to inquire.
