Hymenocallis spp.

spider lilies

Amaryllidaceae Warmer parts of the Americas

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Hymenocallis spp. is a genus of about 60 species of bulbous perennials in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), native to the Americas and known as spider lilies. They grow from large bulbs in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, often in damp ground along rivers, marshes, and coastal flats. Plants form clumps of strap-shaped, deep green leaves 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) long. The flowers are usually white, sometimes cream or yellow, and carried several together on a leafless stalk. Each bloom has six long, narrow, spreading tepals joined at the base to a central cup-shaped membrane (the staminal corona) that links the stamens, giving the flower a spidery outline around a daffodil-like cup. Most species bloom in summer and are strongly fragrant, especially in the evening. The genus grows in full sun to part shade in moist soil and is hardy in the ground only in mild regions, roughly USDA zones 7-10, with tender species lifted and stored over winter elsewhere. The bulbs and leaves contain alkaloids that are poisonous to people and pets if eaten.

Native Range

The genus is native to the warmer parts of the Americas, from the southeastern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to tropical South America. Many species grow in seasonally wet places such as riverbanks, marshes, wet meadows, and coastal dunes.

Suggested Uses

Spider lilies are planted in moist borders, beside ponds and streams, in bog and rain gardens, and in coastal plantings, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Tender species are grown in containers and as summer bulbs lifted before frost. The fragrant white flowers are used in evening and moon gardens and are cut for arrangements.

How to Identify

Identify Hymenocallis spp. by clumps of glossy, strap-shaped leaves and white flowers in which six long, thread-like tepals radiate from a central, cup-shaped membrane that joins the bases of the stamens. This staminal cup, like a small daffodil trumpet set inside a spider of petals, is the key feature. The flowers are borne in a cluster atop a flattened, leafless stalk and are usually fragrant.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Summer

Flowering occurs mainly in summer, with some species blooming in spring or after seasonal rains. Each leafless stalk carries several flowers that open over a few days, and the clusters are fragrant, often most strongly in the evening. Bloom lasts about two to three weeks per clump.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, sometimes cream or yellow

Foliage Description

deep green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Hymenocallis spp. species grow in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5, and many tolerate wet ground and shallow standing water. The bulbs are planted with the neck at or just below the surface and watered well through the growing season. Hardy species overwinter in the ground in USDA zones 7-10, while tender species are lifted after the foliage dies down and stored dry and frost-free. Plants flower most freely in a warm, sunny position with steady moisture and slow down in deep shade. Few pests trouble them, though slugs and the narcissus bulb fly can be problems. Clumps are divided every few years in dormancy to renew them.

Pruning

Spent flower stalks are cut back to the base after the blooms fade to limit seed formation and direct energy to the bulb. Yellowing leaves are left to die down naturally, since they feed the bulb for the next season. Old foliage is removed once it has browned.