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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 3E76edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 18 Oct 2026methodology → read
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Spider Lily

Lycoris sanguineafam. Amaryllidaceae
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Lycoris sanguinea (Spider Lily) — botanical photograph
Pl. 3E76 — Lycoris sanguinea
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Overview

The Spider Lily (Lycoris sanguinea), a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, is a bulbous plant native to Japan and Korea. Thriving in moist, light (sandy) soils under full sun, this plant is known for its ornamental value, featuring distinctive spider-like flowers with long, drooping petals that emerge from late summer into early autumn. The Spider Lily's roots are edible and can be prepared in various ways, typically by cooking or drying before consumption. This hardy species grows to a height of about 0.5 meters and is well-suited for gardens or naturalized areas where it adds a striking display of color. While not medicinal, the Spider Lily is valued for its culinary uses and its ability to enhance landscapes in temperate regions, thriving in hardiness zones 5-9.

Quick answers

What is Spider Lily?

The Spider Lily (Lycoris sanguinea), a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, is a bulbous plant native to Japan and Korea.

Compare with:Golden Lily→Golden Spider Lily→Hardy swamplily→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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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. 1

    What you'll need

    Spider Lily bulbs, a small trowel, and mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in late summer or early fall for spring blooms.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Plant bulbs about 10 cm deep, spacing them 15-20 cm apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water sparingly to avoid rotting the bulbs; keep soil moist but not soggy.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun and water when the foliage starts to yellow in late spring or early summer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    No need for harvesting; simply remove spent flowers and deadhead as needed.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting sun exposure, not providing enough drainage, and forgetting to mulch.

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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.
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 2 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)JapanSouth Korea
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Lycoris sanguinea (Spider Lily) — botanical photograph
Spider Lily (Lycoris sanguinea)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

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About this entry

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