Lycoris radiata aka Red Spider Lily

Lycoris radiata, or red spider lily, is a perennial bulb. It belongs to the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae. Its native range includes China, Japan, Korea, and Nepal. It grows near streams, on rocky slopes, and in moist shade. Other records place it beside fields and in meadows. People also grow it outside its native range. It has become established in parts of the United States.

Garden plants reach about 1–2 feet (0.3–0.6 m) tall and wide. RHS gives a smaller upper size of 1.6 feet (0.5 m). The plant forms upright clumps and spreads through new bulbs. These offsets can help it settle into garden beds. Green flower stems rise without leaves in late summer. Narrow, fleshy leaves grow from the base after bloom. Their colour ranges from dark green to grey-green. They stay through winter, then die back in spring.

Flowers open from August to September, sometimes into early autumn. Each stem carries an umbel of four to seven red flowers. The funnel-shaped blooms have six parts with curled, wavy edges. Long stamens project beyond the petals like a spider's legs. The flowers draw butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. Mixed beds and ground covers soften the bare stems. The bulbs also suit borders, paths, courtyards, and large pots. Deer tend to leave them alone.

Grow this lily in sun or part shade. NC State reports better bloom with some shade. Use rich soil that drains well but holds some moisture. Keep the soil drier during its summer rest. Plant in autumn, leaving the bulb neck above the soil. Allow enough pot space for its large root system. Sources list USDA zones 6–10 and UK rating H3. Cold sites need dry winter mulch or indoor shelter. Wet-summer areas may need pots under glass. Plants may need several seasons to settle and flower. They need no pruning; divide offsets after bloom.

Serious pest and disease problems are rare, but bulb flies occur. Too much water can cause root rot. The bulbs contain lycorine and are toxic to people and pets. Eating them can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. PFAF records starch use after leaching and cooking the bulbs. This does not make untreated bulbs safe to eat. RHS warns against eating these ornamental bulbs. PFAF also records medicinal uses, not proof of safe treatment.