Hymenocallis
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- hy-men-oh-KAL-liss
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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This is a genus of about 65 herbaceous or evergreen bulbous plants in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) native to the southern US and South America. These plants are mainly found in tropical areas of the Americas and those found in the southern United States inhabit wet areas such as marshes, streambanks, and seashores. Oher species are found in drier areas as hillsides and mountains. The genus name is derived from the Greek words ὑμήν (hymen), meaning "membrane", and καλός (kalos), meaning "beautiful".
They generally prefer good drainage and grow well in a soil rich with organic matter in full sun to partial shade.
The flower stalk arises from a basal rossette of strap-shaped leaves with fragrant terminal flowers in various colors. The flowers have six narrow, long petals surrounding a fused cup, giving them the common name of spider lily.
Most species require a tropical area or a greenhouse to grow. The North American species H. occidentalis can grow as far north as zone 5 and can be grown in borders or in groups of pollinator gardens.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious issues. Occasional issues with snails, caterpillars and mealy bugs can occur.
Additional Hymenocallis Images at Juniper Level Botanic Garden
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- H. crassifilia, H.occidentalis, var. occidentalis
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- H. crassifilia, H.occidentalis, var. occidentalis
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Hymenocallis
- Family:
- Amaryllidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- USA, NC, South America
- Distribution:
- Southern Coastal Plain
- Wildlife Value:
- Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Easy to Grow
- Fragrance
- Wildlife Food Source
- Bulb Storage:
- Place container-grown plants indoors and grow them at 55-65 degrees F (13-18C). To store unplanted bulbs, harvest them carefully, leaving soil around the roots, and store dry at 60-70 degrees F (16-21C)
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Water Plant
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Umbel
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Funnel
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- fused petals
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are fragrant, white or ivory, 6-parted, and funnel-shaped. Six (6) stamens are connected at the base with a thin white membrane. Gives the impression of a spidery daffodil.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Fleshy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Arising directly from the bulb, the long, fleshy, basal, strap-like foliage. The leaves can be erect or arching, bright green to blue/green. Depending on the location, they can be deciduous or evergreen.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Angular
- Stem Description:
- Thick, two-edged or rounded, leafless stalk or stems.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Pond
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Rock Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Moths
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Rabbits
- Salt
- Wet Soil
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
