When To Split Texas Spider Lilies?

Spider lilies, a bulbous perennial known for their distinctive spidery flowers, are drought and moisture tolerant but not tolerant of cold weather. To ensure the bulbs don’t die, they should be brought indoors in areas with snow or frost. The easiest way to do this is to plant them in pots.

Spider lilies, part of the Lycoris genus, bloom best with at least four hours of full sun daily and can be found in wetland areas across Texas and the Southeastern United States. They make large clumps and showy displays in settings that are often too hostile to other bulbs. Propagation of red spider lilies is best done through division, which allows for new plants and prevents overcrowding.

H. liriosme can sometimes be confused with Crinum americanum, which also has big white flowers and grows in wetland conditions. Native to the southern United States, the Spider Lily is well-suited to the climate and soil conditions of Austin, Texas, making it an ideal choice for local landscaping projects.

Main care requirements for growing spider lilies include planting them away from automatic garden irrigation systems to avoid accidental watering, planting bulbs approximately 6 to 12 inches apart, and dividing them just after they bloom. The ideal time to divide spider lilies is when the leaves start to die back as they go dormant.

Planting bulbs 9″ apart in fall with the top 1/4″ of the neck of each bulb exposed is recommended. Spider lilies appreciate even moisture during their growing season but may be poisonous when ingested. Divide and replant spider lilies every 2-4 years to allow them to develop strong root systems for spring. The absolute best time to divide spider lilies is at the beginning of April, when the foliage has absorbed winter and early spring nutrients from the sun.