Lycoris, Genus, aurea, Species,
- Genus & species
Golden spider lily
Southern China, Taiwan, Japan (Ryukyu Islands)
Overview
Lycoris aurea is a bulbous perennial in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) that produces leafless flower stalks in late summer. Each stalk rises 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) from the bulb and carries an umbel of 4–7 golden-yellow flowers, each 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) across, with narrow, wavy-margined tepals that curve backward and stamens that extend 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) beyond the petals. Strap-shaped leaves, 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) long and 0.8–1 inch (20–25 mm) wide, carry a pale central stripe. They emerge in autumn, persist through winter, and die back by late spring, so no foliage is present when the flowers open. Bulbs are 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) in diameter and form offsets, producing clumps 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide over several years. Plants are hardy in USDA zones 7–10, and foliage can be damaged by temperatures below 10 °F (−12 °C). Summer dormancy leaves bare ground in the planting position for 3–4 months. All parts contain the alkaloid lycorine, which causes vomiting and diarrhea if eaten.
Native Range
Lycoris aurea is native to southern China, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, where it grows in woodland margins and on shaded slopes. It is cultivated in the southeastern United States and other warm-temperate regions.Suggested Uses
Used in sunny to partly shaded borders and under deciduous trees as a late-season bulb, set in groups of 5–10 bulbs. Interplanted with low evergreen groundcovers, which cover the bare ground left during summer dormancy. Also grown in containers 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) wide.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowers open from late August through September in zones 7–9, typically 3–6 weeks after summer rain or irrigation follows the dry period. Each flower lasts 7–10 days, and an umbel stays in bloom for about 2 weeks. Stalks emerge without leaves, and foliage appears in autumn after flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium green with a pale central stripeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bulbs are set in late summer with the neck at or just below the soil surface, spaced 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart. Plants grow in full sun to part shade in well-drained loam or sandy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Soil is kept lightly moist while leaves are present from autumn to late spring and is kept dry to lightly moist during summer dormancy, since bulbs rot in persistently wet ground. Hardiness covers USDA zones 7–10. Established clumps are left undisturbed for several years and flower more heavily after a full winter and spring of leaf growth. Fertilizer is not required in average garden soil.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. Leaves are cut at the soil line only after they have turned yellow in late spring, which allows the bulb to store energy for flowering. Faded flower stalks are cut at the base once they turn brown.Pruning Schedule
Prune: May–June
late spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
