The beautiful colorful large flowers of Spider lilies (Lycoris spp.) pop up overnight in summer (July and August). In the Southeast and mid-Atlantic states, Spider lilies are popular passalong plants. They are known by a number of colloquial names such as “surprise lilies”, “resurrection lilies”, “hurricane lilies”, “Equinox Lily”, and “naked ladies”. They are members of the Amaryllis family. Bloom time coincides with the summer hurricane season, hence the name “hurricane lily”. (USDA hardiness zones 6-10).

Bloom time is relatively short, their unique flowers are beautiful and are outstanding addition to almost any garden. Floral colors range from red to white to yellow. Flowers last 5-7 days, and decline. Bloom clusters may last two weeks or longer if protected from wind and sun. In Southeastern states, almost 2-3 months later, strap-like green leaves emerge in fall. In northerly climes, leaves emerge early the following spring and grow into late June and disappear.

Spider lilies prefer rich, well-drained and slightly alkaline soils and prefer a part sun/part shaded site. Plant bulbs 12 inches apart with the pointed end up and their necks peeking slightly above the soil surface in fall or early spring. If bulbs are planted too deep, they may not flower.

Spider lilies perform best with summer watering, but may resent being flooded. Their leaves and roots are toxic, so deer and rodents pass them by, Flowers attract butterflies, some bees, and an occasional hummingbird. They are relatively resistant to diseases and pests.

Over the years, numbers of blooms may decline which may be a sign of overcrowding. Divide and separate bulbs every 3-5 years. Carefully dig bulb clumps in late spring after leaves begin to decline or wait until after the summer blooming period when they are dormant. 

Red spider lily (L. radiata) produces 4-6 orange-red flowers on long stamens that curl upward, offering a spider-like floral appearance; grows best in partial shade and not in direct sunlight.

Pink Surprise Lily (L. squamigera) blooms mid- to late-summer; leaves are broader and emerge in late winter and are gone by the time flowers emerge in summer.  

Electric Blue Spider Lily (L. sprengeri)is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with. In fall and summer blue and pink flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular water. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. 

Where To Buy: Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, NC maintains one of the largest collections of spider lilies in the world. Brent and Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester, VA list them in their spring catalog; bulbs are dug and shipped in May and should be planted as soon as they’re delivered. Newly purchased spring bulbs may not bloom the first season.