The Story
Plant Bio
A bulbous perennial with strap-like leaves that emerge in spring and die back by summer. In late summer, naked stems rise from the ground, topped with umbels of 4-6 lily-like, orange-red flowers.
Known as the Orange Spider Lily, its distinct orange-red flowers appear on leafless stems, a characteristic of 'surprise lilies'. It is more cold-hardy than Lycoris radiata and valued for its late-season color.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
18 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan, China
Toxicity
Yes
Bloom period
Late summer – Late fall
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-drained soil with moderate moisture
- Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep in late summer or early fall
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil
- Place in full sun to partial shade for best blooms
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and regulate temperature
- Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering
Pro Tip
Plant bulbs in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering in winter.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Allow foliage to fade naturally before removing
- Divide bulbs every 3-4 years if overcrowded
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t plant in poorly drained soil
- Refrain from disturbing bulbs during dormancy
- Don’t prune foliage prematurely
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Orange Spider Lily questions
What zones can Orange Spider Lily grow in?
Orange Spider Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Orange Spider Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Orange Spider Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Orange Spider Lily bloom?
Orange Spider Lily typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Orange Spider Lily need full sun?
Orange Spider Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Orange Spider Lily drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Orange Spider Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Lycoris to compare
Lycoris x rosea Glenn Dale Gem
Lycoris x rosea 'Glenn Dale Gem'
Surprise Lily Lycoris
Lycoris x rosea 'Cherry Crush'
Pink Lycoris
Lycoris x rosea
Pink Panther Surprise Lily
Lycoris x rosea 'Pink Panther'
Surprise Lily
Lycoris squamigera
Lycoris x traubiata Buttermint
Lycoris x traubiata 'Buttermint'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Orange Spider Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.