Red spider lily Lycoris radiata
Red spider lily (Lycoris radiata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Amaryllidaceae family, native to China, Korea and Japan. It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
Plan Red spider lily in your garden →
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Red spider lily at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Mature height | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China, Korea and Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Red spider lily toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: bulbs, all parts
Contains lycorine and related alkaloids; the bulb causes vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Red spider lily
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Red spider lily
- How far apart should I plant Red spider lily?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Red spider lily need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Red spider lily need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Red spider lily?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Red spider lily flower?
- From about September for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Red spider lily poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains lycorine and related alkaloids; the bulb causes vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea.
- What grows well with Red spider lily?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Red spider lily. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Flowers appear in early autumn on leafless stems; strap leaves grow in winter and die back in spring (modelled as deciduous).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Chives Allium schoenoprasum
- Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
- Ornamental allium Allium giganteum
- Shallot Allium cepa var. aggregatum