ISAKA Yoji (Cory), Wikimedia Commons Contributor
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Botanical Name
Lycoris sanguinea
Plant Common Name
Orange Spiderlily, Orange Surprise Lily, Spiderlily
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Rather short in stature when displaying orange flowers in midsummer, the orange spiderlily is among the earliest flowering species in the Lycoris genus. This bulbous perennial is native to Japan. Appearing in a cluster atop naked stems are four to six pink flowers, each with six petals (tepals) with stamens at their centers. Some plants' flowers are notably red-orange, while others produce softer peach-salmon blooms. Hummingbirds and insect pollinators are drawn to the flowers. The green, strap-like leaves appear in very early spring, but die away by early to midsummer (depending on climate) for the requisite dormancy period. The flowering season is rather early compared to other spiderlilies, around midsummer, but late summer in colder regions.
Plant the orange spiderlily in full to partial sun in any humus-rich, well-drained garden soil. Amend sandy and heavy clay soils with organic matter. Plant shallowly so the bulb tips are just below the soil surface. In USDA Zones 5 and 6, place winter mulch over the bulbs to prevent death. This spiderlily is tolerant of drought in summer (when dormant), but moisture is needed during the foliage-growing spring. Its bulbs are slow to recover from transplanting, as root disturbance is not well tolerated. Orange 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.
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
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 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
12"-16" / 30.5cm - 40.6cm
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Width
6"-9" / 15.2cm - 22.9cm
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Japan
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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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
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Mixed Border
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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
