The following article is part of a series geared toward entry-level gardeners. For deep dives into a variety of perennials that we have sold over the decades, visit our archive of in-depth perennial articles written by Tony Avent, Dr. Patrick McMillan, and other Plant Delights and JLBG experts. We also have transcripts of our Gardening Unplugged videos, recorded during our Open Nursery and Garden Days, that have great information for gardeners of all experience levels.
The genus Lycoris is a fascinating member of the amaryllis family that we believe should be in more perennial gardens, but we may be biased since we currently have the largest collection of lycoris in the world and are always trialing new hybrids to release to the public. Lycoris are native to Asia and are bulb-producing perennial plants. In the U.S., they are often referred to as hurricane flowers since their blooms often coincide with the peak of hurricane season on the East coast.
Lycoris flowers are grouped into two types: those whose leaves emerge in fall (e.g., Lycoris radiata), and those whose leaves emerge in spring (e.g., Lycoris squamigera). Both groups of Lycoris are charming late-summer flowering perennials that produce red (Lycoris radiata), pink (Lycoris squamigera), yellow (Lycoris aurea), or cream colored (Lycoris houdyshelii and others) flowers on naked stems during the late summer or fall. A few of the rare hybrid spider lily cultivars even have blue and purple tints to the flowers.
After the flowers are finished, spider lilies produce strap-like leaves which persist until late spring and then go dormant for the summer. We have a huge collection of lycoris species and hybrids, which we put into our catalog on a rotating basis including some rare Asian species and cultivars. Spider lilies prefer part sun/part shaded site and regular water, even when dormant. Lycoris plants are deer-resistant but butterflies love the flowers.
Lycoris radiata var. radiata 'Fire Engine'
Our Favorite Lycoris Hybrids
Lycoris radiata var. radiata 'Fire Engine'
The 2011 Plant Delights Nursery introduction, Lycoris 'Fire Engine,' showcases new genetics for Lycoris radiata var. radiata. This cultivar, named for its cultivation in the southeastern US, displays striking characteristics. Its flowering period begins in late August, following Lycoris radiata 'Adams August,' and features magnificent, heavily-ruffled, fire engine red flowers. Notably, the plant stands out with a unique purple-black 20" stalk supporting the flower. While the foliage follows the typical Lycoris radiata pattern, with green ribbon-like leaves emerging in mid-October and lasting until April, the consistent traits of 'Fire Engine' have led to reconsideration of it being just seedlings.
Lycoris x caldwellii 'Sky Over Sky'
Lycoris x caldwellii 'Sky Over Sky'
This Chinese hybrid, Lycoris x caldwellii, excels in gardens due to its impressive winter hardiness. It features sturdy, upright flowering stalks reaching 2 feet tall, which appear in early September. The flowers are large and light butter-yellow, creating a beautiful contrast with the fleshy pink buds. The foliage emerges late, around late February, and even later in colder climates, protecting it from winter damage.
Lycoris x incarniensis 'Summer Sunrise'
Lycoris x incarniensis 'Summer Sunrise'
Lycoris 'Summer Sunrise' is a remarkable, previously unnamed hybrid surprise lily from China, introduced by plantsman Jim Waddick. It is a fantastic cross of Lycoris longituba x sprengeri x chinensis, and its flowering begins in early August. The 20" tall stalk bears 7-8 peachy flowers with a yellow throat, displaying a unique blend between a tube-type flower and a spider-style appearance. Resembling a Lycoris x squamigera with an overlay of light yellow, the plant's beauty is simply superb. Its foliage emerges in March and goes dormant in late spring. It took over two decades, since 2000, to produce enough of this hybrid to share with others.
Lycoris x sprengensis 'September Cream Beauty'
Lycoris x sprengensis 'September Cream Beauty'
This stunning hybrid is a result of crossing Chinese Lycoris sprengeri x chinensis. Its 22" tall stalks begin to emerge in mid-August, showcasing a cluster of large flowers that open in soft yellow and gracefully transition to soft pink as they age. The color combination is truly elegant. The foliage emerges around mid to late February and goes dormant by June. This hybrid is likely rare in the US market, and due to limited stock, it may take some time before another offering is available.
Lycoris x straminea 'Caldwell's Original'
Lycoris x straminea 'Caldwell's Original' is a remarkable introduction by Plant Delights and JLBG in 2015. It is an exceptional selection of the natural hybrid of Lycoris radiata x Lycoris chinensis. The plant emerges in mid-August with impressive 26" tall chartreuse stalks, each adorned with 6-8 frilly, creamy yellow flowers that develop a pink hue as they age, creating a very showy display. Unlike other Lycoris x straminea clones, the October sprouting foliage of 'Caldwell's Original' withstands the winter exceptionally well, remaining seemingly unaffected by the cold. This unique characteristic contributes to abundant flowering each summer, making it a truly superb surprise lily.
Lycoris x straminea 'Caldwell's Original'
Spider lilies do not compete well with nearby plants, so companion plants should be slow to spread and widely spaced. Try pairing lycoris with dwarf hosta, agave, ferns, echeveria or graptopetalum. Individual spider lily plants are not large, so they look best when planted in a large group or when featured in a special spot like a rock garden. One of the most beautiful sites in the gardening world is a forest of bare deciduous trees under-planted with thousands of spider lily plants. In full bloom, this sea of red beneath the naked branches is truly a stunning site.
For more information on the history and cultivation of lycoris, check out our latest video, All You Need to Know About Lycoris.