Today’s Garden Ideas

Spider Lilies are not true lilies but actually belong to the Amaryllis family. Their large blooms have curled petals that give them a spidery appearance. The flowers appear in the fall and the foliage persists throughout the winter.

Golden Spider Lilies grow up to 12 inches tall with clusters of

yellow flowers. The dainty petals curly back and long thin stamens reach out creating a truly exotic look.

The most fragile variety is the Red Spider Lily. With about 13 airy, rose-red blossoms and long stamens on 12-18 inch stems it will add interest and color to any garden.

Closely related to Spider Lilies are Magic Lilies also called Hardy Amaryllis. These plants grow well in zones 5-9. Their trumpet shaped blooms look more like a try Lily than a Spider Lily.

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Planting Locations

Spider Lilies work well in both sun or shade. They flourish in containers too. A 12-inch tub is large enough for 5 bulbs and small enough to be portable. Move the tub to a prominent place when the Spider Lilies begin to bloom.

Because Spider Lilies tolerate partial shade and dry soil they are ideal for planting at the edges of woodlands and along foundations. For a late-season burst of vibrant color plant some bulbs amongst groundcover like Pachysandra or Myrtle. If you have a shady spot in your yard plant Spider Lily bulbs directly in the lawn. They will emerge like whimsical exclamation points in the fall.

Plant Buddies

In southern gardens Spider Lilies go wonderful with Chrysanthemums. Pair White Spider Lilies with pale yellow Chrysanthemum. Let Magic Lilies grow up through a cloud of pink False Chamomile ‘Nana’. Choose the Magic Lily ‘Purpurea’ with its dark lilac flowers for vivid color contrast. Or place Red Spider Lilies amongst ‘Brilliant’ Sedum or deep blue Asters. The effect is quite glamorous.

Purchasing & Planting

When purchase Spider Lilies buy firm plump bulbs in mid summer. Do not buy bulbs that have sprouted or are soft or blemished. Plant Spider Lily bulbs in summer when the bulbs are dormant. If planting in a container add about 2 inches of gravel for drainage to the bottom of the pot. Mix 2/3 potting soil and 1/3 sand. Add ¼ cup of bone meal. Fill the pot with this soil to 1 inch below the top of the pot. Evenly space the bulbs and set into the soil so their tops are at the surface. Water well. Do not water again until green growth shows. When flower stalks being to appear water and keep soil moist. As the leaves yellow stop watering and leave bulbs in the container. Do not water again until new growth begins.

Growing Tips

Spider Lilies like full sun or partial shade. They do best with four hours of full sun daily. Soil should be well drained. If Spider Lilies are planted in outdoor flowerbeds do not disturb bulbs for several years so they will establish. The best soil conditions for Spider Lilies should be dry in summer and moist in fall through the spring so regulate the water supply for the best blooms.

Watch for wireworms. These ½ inch beetle larvae have yellow-brown skin. They attack bulbs and stems. The best way to control wireworms is by rotating crops every few years. Or you can attract the adults with honey and handpick them.

Seasonal Care

For seasonal care being in mid- to late summer. Buy and plant new bulbs. Dig and divide crowded bulbs to improve blooming. In fall cut off the faded flowers but leave the foliage. Protect the leaves from cold weather with mulch. In spring cut down the foliage. Cover the planted area with a rock or board to prevent bulbs from losing moisture throughout the summer.

Quick Facts

Spider Lilies grow best in zones 7-10 in full sun or partial shade. They can spread out 4-8 inches and up to 2 feet high. Spider Lilies are fairly disease and insect resistant as well as drought resistant. These blooms appear in late summer or early fall and are great for cutting.

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Tags: brilliant, chrysanthemums, false chamomile, golden spider lilies, hardy amaryllis, magic lilies, marion, nana, purpurea, red spider lily, sedum, Spider lilies, white spider lilies, wireworms