Spider Lily Foliage

Oddly, spider lilies have no foliage when they bloom. Their leaves die back early in the summer, and you see no more sign of the plant until fall when stalks of colorful blooms emerge out of nowhere from the bare ground.

Do spider lilies spread?

In a planting site to their liking, deer-resistant red spider lilies will naturalize and spread. To keep them from becoming overcrowded, which could lead to diminished bloom production, divide them every few years. This is best done in the early summer when the plants are dormant.

What do spider lilies look like after they bloom?

From bare ground, stalks burst through and unfurl their vibrant red show with curvy petals and stamens. As the flowers fade, narrow, green, straplike leaves with silver stripes emerge, persist all winter, and then disappear by spring.

Do spider lilies need sun or shade?

Spider lilies need full sun but can also grow in partial shade. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least five hours of direct sunlight a day. Spider lilies are dormant during summer, so there's no need to water them during that time.

What happens if you touch a red spider lily?

Don't touch: Red spider lily bulbs are poisonous if eaten, and touching the stems or petals can cause a rash. Don't let it put you off bringing kids, though—it's a great chance to teach children not to touch.

Are spider lily leaves poisonous?

The stalk leaves and flowers of the spider lily are mildly poisonous but the bulbs are very poisonous. In Japan these flowers are planted routinely around the edges of rice paddies where they are thought to repel insects and rodents. These flowers almost certainly originated in China.

Should spider lilies be cut back?

When the flowers stalks of this traditional Southern bulb have faded, trim the stems to the ground. Watch for the narrow, dark green, silver striped foliage to appear, and be sure not to cut it back during its growing season.

Do you deadhead spider lilies?

Pruning and caring for spider lily Remove wilted flowers regularly (deadheading). This helps new flowers appear. Wait for the foliage to have turned yellow completely before cutting it off, because the plant needs this step to fully replenish its nutrients for the next blooming season.

What month do spider lilies bloom?

Flowers. The flowers of the red spider lily bloom for just a few weeks during September or October. One of their common names, 'hurricane lily,' comes from the fact that these plants flower during hurricane season. The flowers appear on tall stems measuring between 1 and 2 feet in height.

Do spider lilies come back every year?

Propagation. Spider lily bulbs are planted in fall, about 4 inches deep with the stems pointing upward through the soil. Under favorable conditions, a single bulb can produce five new bulbs within a year. Bulbs should be divided and transplanted every two to four years.

Are spider lilies rare?

Abstract. Hymenocallis coronaria, also known as the rocky shoals spider lily , is a rare species that is restricted to Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Do spider lilies need a lot of water?

"Spider lilies require regular watering when they are growing and flowering to ensure the soil stays moist," Myers says. When they're dormant, Schoenberg says you only need to water them enough to prevent the soil from drying out.

Are spider lilies hard to take care of?

These easy-to-grow perennial bulbs are often planted and then forgotten. They grow best in well-drained soil with moderate moisture during the growing season. Although it's not necessary, some spider lilies appreciate a dry spell in their dormant summer period.

How often do you water spider lilies?

Water lightly until top growth emerges, then moderately during the growing season. Withhold water in summer and let the soil go dry when the foliage begins to wither. Remove the foliage when it yellows and withers. Bulbs should be lifted and separated for replanting about every 7 years.

Why are my spider lilies not blooming?

Spider lilies (Hymenocallis) often fail to bloom when they are in too much shade, the soil is too dry or the plants have received too much or not enough fertilizer. Correcting one of these limiting factors may have produced blooms.

What do spider lilies attract?

Spider Lily Overview The strong fragrance of the flowers will attract bees, butterflies and sunbirds to the home garden.

How toxic are spider lilies?

Spider lilies are considered mildly poisonous, so don't eat them. In Japan, where it is called “Higanbana”, the plant is used to protect the rice paddies since it is toxic to rats and other wild animals. You may find the rice patties lined with these plants creating a striking view when in bloom.

What eats spider lilies?

S Spider Lily is a host plant for Spanish Moths. This is a native Spider Lily that grows wild back by the river. When the moth caterpillars eat all the lily leaves, they go under the soil and eat the lily bulbs, killing the plant.

What can spider lilies be used for?

Its roots are used to treat swellings, ulcers, and the nervous afflictions of children. The bulb is used to counteract poisons and can be made into a plaster to treat burns and scalds. Additionally, Red spider flower contains alkaloids that are associated with anticancer, antibacterial, and antiretroviral properties.

Does spider lily have smell?

Spider Lily This perennial bulb grows a stalk-like stem with buds that provide a gentle fragrance — nothing overpowering. Its wispy, curled petals add an eye-catching texture and exotic appeal to a landscape. The fact that it's one of the most fragrant flowers is an added bonus!