Lycoris Bulbs – Spider Lilies
Another interesting group of bulbs are Lycoris, they are from Asia and include the well known Red Spider Lily or Lycoris radiata are a fairly easy to grow bulb.
These autumn flowering bulbs are also known as ‘spider lilies’ with L. radiata being the red spider lily and L. aurea being the yellow spider lily. Flowers are followed by the strap like foliage. Other species such as and L. squamigera are also of interest and is known as the ‘resurrection lily’.
Growing Conditions and Plant Care
Best grown in full sun, Lycoris bulbs need to be planted with the shoulder of the bulb above the level of the soil, bulbs are available for sale and planting in the late autumn to summer.
These are not a hungry bulb and require little fertilizer, they are also fairly drought tolerant. Like all bulbs leave the foliage until it dies right back as this provides the energy for the next flowering period. Flowers are fairly long lasting especially if given some protection. Because of the tall stems and vibrant flowers they make great cut flowers and will last well in a vase
If clumps become overcrowded flowering will decrease, summer is a good time to divide larger clumps, or to repot if growing in containers. As long as you can provide a hot, dry summer and an alkaline soil (add some lime) you should be able to flower these easily.
- Protect from frosts.
- Warm summer rest.
- Humus rich soil and a sunny position.
Species and varieties
Other species worth looking for although not widely available for sale include
- Lycoris sprengeri
- Lycoris aurea
- L. caldwelii
- L. incarnta
- Lycoris squamigera
- L. elsiae
Not all lycoris are spider lilies.
We also have Lycoris sanguine form Japan, wonderful orange flowers and an early flowering bulb.
You may also be interested in
- Daylillies
- Hymenocallis
Lycoris are available for sale from the following nurseries
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au