Species spider lily
Spider Lily (Hymenocallis caroliniana) with long, slender green leaves and white, spider-like flowers with elongated petals

spider lily

Hymenocallis caroliniana

The Spider Lily or Hymenocallis caroliniana, is a showy perennial flower with long, tapered petals that curve outward and resemble spider legs. It typically blooms in the late summer and is found in rocky woodlands, growing along pathways or replacing lawns in shady and damp areas. Its leaves are narrow and grass-like and its flowers are typically white, with yellow centres. It is easy to maintain, drought tolerant, and is very attractive to bees and other pollinators. A great choice for beauty and low-maintenance landscaping.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Bulb Propagation,Offsets,Leaf Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Spider lilies prefer consistent moisture and need to be watered about once a week. Water deeply and thoroughly, using 1 inch of water each time and allowing the top couple of inches of soil to become dry before watering again. During hot weather, they may need to be watered more frequently. In the winter, they should only be watered when the soil has become completely dry. It’s best to water in the morning when possible, so the leaves have time to dry out before night.

sunlight

Spider lilies prefer full sun to provide enough energy to bloom throughout the summer months. It is best to plant the lily where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the spring and fall months the Spider lily should receive indirect sunlight, such as dappled sunlight through trees or other plants. Be sure to avoid direct morning sun, as the lily will not be able to withstand the intense heat. Provide adequate water, as Spider lilies need a consistently moist soil to thrive; however, it should not be overly saturated.

pruning

To ensure a healthy and attractive spider lily (Hymenocallis caroliniana), pruning should be done at least once a year, usually in late spring to mid-summer. Before pruning, it is important to remove any dead or damaged leaves and flowers, this will encourage the healthy growth of new growth. When pruning, start by cutting the stems back to a point where the plant will have about 5-6 leaves, keeping them away from the base. Be sure not to cut away too many leaves, as this can weaken the overall structure of the plant. When pruning, take care to make the cuts clean and neat to avoid damaging the stems. The spider lily also benefits from dividing and replanting every 3 to 5 years. By dividing the spider lily, you will be able to ensure it continues to produce new, healthy growth. It's important to remember to water the area generously once replanted to avoid any additional stress to the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Hymenocallis caroliniana typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Starts Flowering

Hymenocallis caroliniana typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Hardiness Map