Red Spider Lily

This Red Spider Lily is a southern heirloom and has proven itself to be Texas tough, standing up to drought and extreme summer heat over many decades.  I received my bulbs again from my mother.

I looked up the history of this unique flower and found out it originated in Japan.  It was brought to the U.S in 1854 on one the U.S.Navy first steam powered ships, by a Captain William Roberts, who had horticulture interests. He brought three bulbs to their new home in North Carolina, and they spread throughout the Southern states.

My red spider lilies start blooming in September about the time my Oxblood Lilies stop, towards the end of the month.

The lilies stand 12 to 16 inches in height, and the blooms are the size of a softball.

After flowering a dark green foliage follows, staying through the winter and into late spring, it then dies back into a dormancy during the summer.

The red spider lily preforms well under trees, which loose their leaves during the winter, allowing the bulb’s foliage to soak up the sun energy.  The bulbs plant depth is just 2 – 3 inches.

I hope you enjoyed learning about this beautiful fall flower.  Until next time. God Bless!