Red spider lily
lycoris radiata
Also known as: ["Red magic lily","Hurricane lily","Schoolhouse lily"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with striking red, spider-like flowers that emerge on leafless stems in late summer or early fall.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Lycoris |
| Botanical Name: | Lycoris radiata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or naturalized areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy loam with some organic matter; cactus or bulb-specific mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove dead foliage in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; focus on tidying rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Plant in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade; rotate pot regularly for even growth; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce to monthly in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; focus on root zone during active growth.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with sand or grit if needed.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–10; prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C) during active growth; tolerates winter temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C) when dormant.
Protect from extreme cold with mulch; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care based on dormancy phase.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Use a bulb-specific fertilizer; fertilize just before flowering spires emerge; reduce feeding in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; occasionally by seed (slow process).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature bulbs.
- Separate offsets.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly until established.
Best Time: After flowering, when foliage begins to die back (late summer to early fall).
Environment
Warm, sunny location with good air circulation; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-drained potting mix or sandy loam; can be planted directly in the garden.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division; optional for seed propagation.
Timeline
Bulbs may flower within 1–2 years after division; seeds take 3–5 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; plant new bulbs at the same depth as the parent; water sparingly until roots develop.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; trim yellowed leaves carefully.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks after blooming to tidy appearance.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; trim yellowing leaves; avoid cutting green foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer to early fall, after flowering and when foliage dies back.
Pot Size
Use the same size pot or one size larger if necessary; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-drained soil; space bulbs 4–6 inches apart.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or every 3–4 years; Lycoris prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil mix; replant at original depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at base; ensure drainage; reduce watering in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away; water early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (fall to spring); increase frequency in summer when actively growing, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or yellowing in excessive heat; delayed flowering or bulb rot in cold, wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Dormant bulbs can withstand freezing temperatures but may rot if soil remains wet and cold.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; mulch lightly in colder zones to protect bulbs from freeze-thaw cycles.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch in intense summer heat, especially with inadequate water.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; water deeply in the morning; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring; use balanced formula; avoid over-fertilizing; stop during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth resumes; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Lycoris radiata. Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, as well as potential cardiac issues. The bulbs are the most toxic part, but cats should not be allowed to consume any part of the plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lycoris radiata can lead to severe toxicity due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. The effects are similar to those in humans, with gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms being prominent. The bulbs are particularly dangerous, but all parts of the plant should be considered hazardous to pets.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLycoris radiata contains toxic alkaloids that can cause significant physiological disturbances when ingested. The plant's effects are primarily due to the presence of lycorine and other related compounds, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset, neurological effects, and cardiovascular issues. The toxicity is most pronounced in the bulbs, but flowers and leaves also contain harmful substances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do Lycoris radiata flowers appear without leaves?
A: The plant is adapted to grow leaves in winter and flowers in late summer or fall, a strategy to avoid competition for resources.
Q: Is Lycoris radiata toxic to pets?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should I plant Lycoris radiata bulbs?
A: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in full sun, with the top of the bulb just below the soil surface.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks during activ |
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