Spider Lily in 6″ Pot

Bulbous perennial with a clumping, rosette habit. Bulbs are large (5–10 cm) with a neck. Leaves are basal, strap-shaped, glossy green, 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) long and 2–5 cm wide, arching or erect, evergreen in warm climates or deciduous where cooler. Flower stems (scapes) are stout, leafless, 30–90 cm (1–3 ft) tall, bearing an umbel of 2–12 flowers. Each flower is showy, pure white (some species cream), 10–20 cm across, intensely sweet-scented (vanilla-like, stronger at dusk). Structure: six very long, slender tepals (petals/sepals) radiate like spider legs, surrounding a central cup (corona/staminal membrane) that unites the bases of the six stamens; anthers are often yellow-orange. Blooms mainly in summer (some species spring/fall) and last several weeks. Fruit is a fleshy capsule with a few large green seeds. Bulbs are toxic if ingested (lycorine-type alkaloids).

Quick care: full sun to light afternoon shade (≥4–6 hrs sun for best bloom; provide shade in very hot inland areas). Prefers rich, moist but well-drained soil—loam with compost and sand/grit; tolerates sandy or clay if drainage is good; can grow in boggy margins or pond edges (some species semi-aquatic). Water regularly during growth—keep evenly moist, never waterlogged; reduce after flowering when foliage yellows. Warmth-loving: hardy USDA 8–11 depending on species (H. occidentalis to zone 5–8; tropical types 9–11). Feed with balanced slow-release in spring and again after bloom. Plant bulbs with neck at or just above soil level, 20–30 cm apart; best left undisturbed to form clumps. Lift and store in cold zones (below zone 8) or mulch heavily. Pests few: snails, slugs, caterpillars, mealybugs; root rot if too wet. Propagate by dividing offsets or by seed (fresh seeds germinate quickly). Great for borders, containers, water gardens, coastal gardens (salt-tolerant), and night-scented plantings.