Also known as Spider Lily · 59 saves
Hymenocallis
Hymenocallis, the genus most gardeners know as spider lily. We track 11 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Hymenocallis varieties
Track your Hymenocallis in Sow
Save the Hymenocallis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hymenocallis
Whats common across all Hymenocallis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them.
The Hymenocallis year
- PlantMarch–May91% of varieties
Plant bulbs after the danger of frost has passed
- FertilizeApril–July91% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Lift & StoreSeptember and October64% of varieties
Dig up bulbs after first frost, dry, and store in a cool, dry place
- DeadheadJune–August36% of varieties
Remove spent flower stalks to tidy the plant
Do
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water consistently during growing season 🌱
- Water consistently during active growth 🌱
- Mulch to retain moisture
Avoid
- Overwater to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Overwater to avoid bulb rot ❌
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Plant in poorly drained soil ❌
What goes wrong with Hymenocallis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippling on leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed bulbs | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Bulb mites | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed bulbs | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark, necrotic spots on leaves | Remove affected foliage and improve air circulation |
Making more Hymenocallis
Division
- Dig up clumps in early spring
- Separate offsets with a sharp knife
- Plant immediately in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly
- Wait 6 weeks for roots to establish
Bulb planting
- Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep in fall
- Space bulbs 8-12 inches apart
- Water after planting
- Allow bulbs to settle before watering heavily
Hymenocallis questions
How many types of Hymenocallis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Hymenocallis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 59 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hymenocallis grow in?
Across its varieties, Hymenocallis covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hymenocallis bloom?
Most Hymenocallis varieties bloom in mid-spring, mid-summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hymenocallis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.