How Do Spider Lilies Appear?

Spider lilies are perennial bulbs prized for their showy, funnel-shaped flowers, which often resemble spider legs. They have thin, delicate petals and long stamens, resulting in flowers that stretch about 6 inches across and emerge on a tall, naked stem in late summer to fall. The plant’s common name is spider lily, as its flowers emit a pleasant scent.

The most common types of spider lilies include the Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata), known for its fiery red petals, and the White Spider Lily (Lycoris albiflora), which boasts pristine white blooms. The Yellow Spider Lily (Lycoris spp) is also known for its unique flower design.

The spider lily is also known for its sudden and unexpected bloom, hence the terms spider lily. The most common types include the Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata), known for its fiery red petals, and the White Spider Lily (Lycoris albiflora), which boasts pristine white blooms.

The spider lily’s fragrant flowers appear in mid to late summer and are delicate and bright red. They can be planted in a patch in the garden and can be admired for their eye-catching appearance.

Spider lilies get their name from the curved cluster of petals that resemble a spider. They are upright growing strappy leaf bordering plants with lightly scented white flowers. Spider lilies are well-known for their eye-catching blooms, with thin, delicate petals and long stamens, resulting in flowers that look like peppermint sticks.

Do spider lilies only bloom once?

If properly cared for, red spider lily bulbs can continue to bloom year after year, in contrast to hybrid bulbs, which do not possess this characteristic. It is possible to maintain these bulbs for decades, but periodic lifting and division are necessary to prevent the formation of unmanageable clusters.

What is the myth of the spider lily?

Higan, a holiday in Japan, has a deeper meaning than just honoring ancestors. In the Buddhist Heart Sutra, it means “the other shore”, referring to the mythical Sanzu River. Spider lilies grow along the river’s banks, greeting newly departed spirits. In the Lotus Sutra, Diyu is the realm of the dead, and red spider lilies are said to grow there, marking a path to reincarnation. The lilies are also known as “hell flowers”.

The red spider lily is a pervasive symbol in Japan, used in literature, music, film, and animation. It is often used as a passing image or ingrained symbol in anime shows. The word “hanakotoba” denotes the unspoken language of flowers in Japanese culture, with wisteria, plum, and chrysanthemum being examples. The spider lily is part of this rich flower language, often foreshadowing a coming death.

Are spider lilies toxic to humans?

The red spider lily, a popular ornamental plant due to its aesthetic appeal and resilience to damage from deer and rodents, is toxic due to its lycoline content, which can cause a range of adverse effects including vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and even death when consumed.

What happens when you touch red spider lily?

Red Spider Lily skin contact can be just as risky as ingestion, especially for delicate skin, especially in babies. The plant’s sap can cause irritation or a rash, which is not desirable for children. If a child samples a Red Spider Lily, act swiftly by removing plant parts from their mouth, rinsing and spitting with water, and keeping them hydrated. If they start vomiting or diarrhea, call the emergency room or 911.

If breathing troubles or swelling occur, head to the ER or dial 911. For less severe reactions, call Poison Control at 800-222-1222. Overreacting is better than underreacting when it comes to potential poisoning.

Where do spider lilies grow best?

Spider lilies can be grown from bulbs, producing one to four flower stems. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer rich, moist, slightly alkaline soil. Plant bulbs pointed end up, 12 inches apart, and water lightly and regularly until growth emerges. Continue watering moderately during the growing season. When leaves start to wither, withhold water and let the soil dry. Remove the leaves once they are yellow and withered. Rains will take care of the rest, and lilies will bloom after a late summer rain.

Divide and separate bulbs every seven years to prevent crowding. After bloom, dig up divisions to start a new plant. Spider lilies prefer not to have their roots disturbed, so expect a season or two before they bloom.

Do spider lilies spread?

Red spider lilies, a deer-resistant plant, can naturally spread in a planting site. To prevent overcrowding and diminished bloom production, divide them every few years, especially in early summer when the plants are dormant. After dividing, don’t worry about leftover bulbs; they have been a favorite pass-along plant in the region since the 1800s. Sharing extras with other gardeners will perpetuate these plants and Southern hospitality. A bright tag serves as a reminder of the plant’s return next spring.

What do spider lilies symbolize?

The White Spider Lily (Lycoris albiflora) symbolizes positive nature and freshness, while the Golden or Yellow Spider Lily (Lycoris aurea) is associated with wealth, courage, love, and wisdom. As we await cooler temperatures and the first rain since May, some Fall blooming flowers emerge unexpectedly, often lacking leaves. My mother grew Red Spider Lilies (Lycoris radiata) as a child, and after about 4 – 5 years, she had a long 75-foot row of these plants that grew into larger clumps.

These bulbs, part of the Amaryllis family, share their late summer or fall blooming characteristic with the popular Naked Lady (Amaryllis belladonna). They produce narrow strap-like leaves in the spring, which die back once summer warms up. Horticulturalists have developed colors other than the original red, including pink, white yellow, and blue, which are difficult to find and may require ordering from a bulb company.

Are spider lilies poisonous to humans?

The red spider lily, a popular ornamental plant due to its aesthetic appeal and resilience to damage from deer and rodents, is toxic due to its lycoline content, which can cause a range of adverse effects including vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and even death when consumed.

Are spider lilies a bad omen?

Red spider lilies are believed to guide the dead through the Samsara or rebirth cycle in old Buddhist writings. Some people believe they are bad omens and avoid bringing them into their homes to avoid bad luck, while others believe they represent the transition from death to reincarnation. These flowers are tied to interesting history and folklore, and their names and legends are often associated with the journey to heaven or the end of a life cycle.

Why are spider lilies associated with death?

The red spider lily, also known as the “ghost flower”, is a symbol of death, loss, separation, and abandonment. Its story begins during the Buddhist holiday of Ohigan in late September, which coincides with the brief flowering time of the lily. In Japan, Ohigan is a time to return home to visit graves and pay respects to ancestors. The lily blooms well before the leaves come out, with a cluster of bright red, spidery flowers blazing atop a slender green stalk. The red glow fades as the petals shrivel up, leaving the plant bare. The leaves then emerge, bringing life back to the plant before it dies a second time.

This curious growth habit was explained in a Chinese myth. The sun goddess Amaterasu assigned two elves to guard the flowers and leaves independently. Mañju guarded the petals and Saka guarded the leaves, always knowing about each other but forbidden to meet. Curiosity drove them to defy Amaterasu, and they fell in love. Amaterasu punished them with a curse to never meet again, and now Saka’s leaves only come out once Mañju’s petals have died, living in eternal separation. The flower is also known as ‘Mañjusaka’ in Chinese and ‘Manju-syage’ in Japanese.

What to do with spider lilies after they bloom?

Spider lilies require moderate watering during the growing season and withholding it in summer as the foliage begins to die. They can be easily cared for when their foliage turns yellow and begins to wither. Spider lilies have few issues when their soil, moisture, and light needs are met. However, they can experience growing problems, such as leaves turning yellow in spring, which indicates dormancy. To avoid this, ensure the soil is slightly moist to the touch and not waterlogged.