Peggy Greb, USDA
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Botanical Name
Lycoris aurea
Plant Common Name
Golden Hurricane Lily, Golden Spiderlily, Spiderlily
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Magnificent when in bloom, and sure to grab the delight and attention of garden visitors, the golden spiderlily is native to limestone-based soils in China. Appearing in a cluster atop naked stems are four to six large, light to golden-yellow flowers that look somewhat like streamer ribbons and spider legs. The flowers have six slightly wavy, recurved petals (tepals) with long, upswept, whisker-like stamens at their centers. Hummingbirds and insect pollinators are drawn to the flowers. The green, strap-like leaves appear in fall, winter or spring, but die away by early summer for the requisite hot, dry dormancy period. The flowering season begins much later as fall begins.
Plant the golden spiderlily in full to partial sun in any humus-rich, well-drained garden soil that's not overly acidic. Additions of lime or potash are beneficial for this species. Amend sandy soil with organic matter. Plant shallowly so the bulb tips are just below the soil surface. This spiderlily is tolerant of drought in summer (when dormant), but moisture is needed during its fall-to-spring growing season. Frost damages the foliage to varying degrees across winter, especially in USDA Zones 7 and 8. Its bulbs are slow to recover from transplanting, as root disturbance is not well tolerated. Golden spiderlily is a garden knockout that also grows well in deep pots, which allow it to be easily moved to prominent locations when in full bloom. If your winters are too cold for this yellow-flowering species, try growing the vigorous and hardier golden surprise lily (L. chinensis).
All Lycoris contain the toxic alkaloid lycorine in their tissues. Caution should be taken to keep them away from children and pets as they can be very harmful if ingested.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, 8, 9, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
14"-28" / 35.6cm - 71.1cm
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Width
8"-10" / 20.3cm - 25.4cm
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Bloom Time
Early Fall
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Light Yellow, Gold
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
