Spider Lily
Lycoris sanguineafam. Amaryllidaceae
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Pl. 3E76 — Lycoris sanguinea
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IOverview
Overview
The Spider Lily (Lycoris sanguinea) is a bulbous plant native to Japan and Korea, where it thrives in moist, light (sandy) soils under full sun. Known for its ornamental value, the Spider Lily features distinctive spider-like flowers with long, drooping petals that emerge from late summer into early autumn. Edible parts of this plant include the roots, which can be consumed after proper preparation. This hardy species grows to a height of 0.5 meters and is well-suited for gardens or naturalized areas where it adds a striking display of color.
Quick answers
What is Spider Lily?
The Spider Lily (Lycoris sanguinea) is a bulbous plant native to Japan and Korea, where it thrives in moist, light (sandy) soils under full sun. Known for its ornamental value, the Spider Lily features distinctive spider-like flowers with long, drooping petals that emerge from late summer into early autumn.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Spider Lily thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light or sandy. It grows to about 0.5 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. Propagate through root division in the fall after flowering. The edible parts are the roots, which can be harvested carefully from established plants.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Spider Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Spider Lilies to gain confidence in your gardening skills.
- 1
What you'll need
Spider Lily bulbs, a small trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late summer or early fall for spring blooms.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs about 10 cm deep, spacing them 15-20 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the bulbs; keep soil moist but not soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water when the foliage starts to yellow in late spring or early summer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
No need for harvesting; simply remove spent flowers and deadhead as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting sun exposure, not providing enough drainage, and forgetting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Spider Lily's roots are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are typically cooked or dried before consumption. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)JapanSouth Korea
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Amaryllidaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Amaryllidaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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