This week’s plant of the week is very relevant, since they’re blooming right now. Lycoris is also known as spider lilies, hurricane lilies, naked ladies, or death flowers. Most varieties bloom around August through October, sometimes popping up in yards or properties without being planted. They’re also known to grow in cemeteries, leading to their more morbid nickname. While mostly recognized for their red blooms, they also come in white, yellow, and pink.
When planting spider lilies, place bulbs 12 inches apart, with their necks slightly above the soil. Each bulb is able to produce 1-4 flower stems, usually not flowering all at once. These lilies prefer well-drained, alkaline soil and partial sun. They’re resistant to pests and disease because they’re poisonous to eat (including to humans and pets).
However, pollinators love to drink spider lily nectar, making them a good choice for butterfly and bee lovers. You may not see flowers the first year after transplanting, as spider lilies don’t like having their roots disturbed. If you think your lilies are struggling to bloom after a few years, you may have an issue with overcrowding. You can divide and separate the bulbs in late spring or early summer when the plant is dormant.
If you’ve seen any spider lilies around, let us know! We’d love to see them!
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