Lycoris radiata

The red spider lily is a cultivated, late summer blooming perennial bulb in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). It is native to China, Japan, Korea and Nepal and is usually found in shady, moist areas along slopes and rocky areas near stream banks. The genus name Lycoris is in honor of the Roman actress and mistress of Mark Antony. The species epithet radiata is Latin for "spoke" referring to the flower tepals that spread out like the spokes on a wheel or the flowers that radiate from the umbel.

Plant the bulbs with the neck exposed, spaced 6 to 12 inches apart, in rich, moist well-drained soils. In the dormant season, it is best if the soil remains fairly dry. Situate the bulbs in full sun to partial shade. The best flowering will occur in partial shade. The bulbs naturalize easily through offsets and are quite long-lived. They range from semi-hardy (damaged below 28 degrees F) to hardy (injured below 5 degrees F). The flowers emerge on 1 to 2 feet tall scapes in late summer to early fall. These bulbs require an extensive root system to produce flowers; therefore, if container planting is being considered, be sure the pot size is adequate. Propagate through division.

In the landscape, it would be best to incorporate these bulbs in a mixed ground cover or flowerbed so that their starkness will not be so readily apparent. Plant it in mass along a walkway, in a courtyard garden, in front of a border or in other small spaces. It does well to naturalize or plant alongside a lawn. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Flower appears on tall naked scapes from August to September as an umbel of 4 to 7 showy, bright red tubed blooms, recurved, and the stamens are exerted. 

• Grayish-green leaves emerge in October, remain evergreen over winter, and die back in the spring.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Red spider lily has no serious insect or disease problems. Narcissus bulb fly occasionally feeds on this species. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Lycoris.