Lycoris radiata
red spider lily
A bulbous perennial producing umbels of 4-6 bright red, late-summer flowers with wavy-margined, reflexed petals and conspicuous anthers. Strap-shaped, dark green, semi-erect leaves appear after flowering and persist through the winter into early spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | |||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Lycoris are bulbous perennials producing showy umbels of funnel-shaped flowers on leafless stems from spring to autumn. The leaves can be linear or strap-shaped
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Nepal to Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in autumn in fertile, well-drained soil that dries out in summer. Protect in colder areas with a deep, dry mulch over winter. In areas with wet summers grow as a container plant in a conservatory or cool greenhouse
Propagation
Propagate by seed or remove offsets after flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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