Description
What is Lycoris?
Lycoris, commonly known as Spider Lily or Hurricane Lily, is a striking bulbous perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family, native to China. Lycoris radiata, with its vibrant red flowers, blooms in autumn before any foliage appears. The spider-like flowers, with their long, ruffled petals and extended stamens, create a dramatic display.
Dormant in summer, Lycoris requires minimal care and thrives in a range of climates, making it suitable for various garden settings like borders, rockeries, and shrubberies. After flowering, grey-green foliage persists through winter, adding texture to the garden during cooler months.
Benefits of Growing Lycoris:
- Low Maintenance: Lycoris is easy to care for, needing little attention during its summer dormancy. It’s ideal for regions with dry summers and temperate climates. Once established, water only as needed to supplement rainfall.
- Autumn Blooms: Lycoris radiata produces vibrant red blooms in autumn, creating a stunning focal point when other plants are past their prime.
- Naturalising: When left undisturbed, Lycoris bulbs multiply naturally over time, forming large clumps that enhance the garden.
- Versatility: Perfect for garden beds, borders, rockeries, or large pots, Lycoris suits both small and large gardens.
- Frost & Drought Tolerance: Lycoris is frost-tolerant and handles drier conditions, relying on natural rainfall once established. However, keep the soil lightly moist during the flowering and foliage period, provide mulch in harsh winters, and shield from strong winds to protect the delicate blooms.
- Cut Flowers: Lycoris blooms make excellent cut flowers, lasting up to three weeks in a vase, bringing vibrant autumn beauty indoors.
- Pollinator Attraction: These vivid red blooms attract pollinators, adding to the ecological value of your garden.
When and Where to Plant Lycoris:
Lycoris thrives in cool to subtropical climates. The best time to plant is during its dormant period, from late spring to summer (November to February), allowing the bulbs to establish before autumn blooms. It prefers full sun to part shade, with well-draining soil, dry summers, and mild, moist winters.
- Subtropical Regions: In humid climates, plant Lycoris in pots with well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. In garden beds, plant in late summer to reduce the risk of bulb rot.
Planting and Care Guide:
- Location & Soil: Lycoris thrives in well-draining, fertile soil. In cooler regions, full sun encourages vibrant blooms, while part shade in warmer climates prevents heat stress.
- Watering: Water lightly after planting. As buds appear in autumn, water moderately throughout the flowering and foliage-growing period, then reduce or stop watering as the plant enters dormancy, depending on the climate.
- Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser or blood and bone in spring to encourage strong growth and blooms. Container-grown plants benefit from extra fertiliser.
- Mulching & Frost Protection: Mulch around the bulbs with organic material to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In frost-prone areas, mulching or moving pots to sheltered locations adds protection.
Division:
Divide Lycoris in spring, once the foliage has died back. It’s common for Lycoris not to flower in the first year after division. With proper care, including moderate watering and fertilising, they will typically bloom the following season once established.
Companion Planting for Lycoris:
Lycoris pairs well with perennials, trees, shrubs, and ground covers. Select companions with similar planting needs and those that bloom in different seasons to create a vibrant year-round display.
Pests & Diseases:
Lycoris is generally pest-resistant, though it may occasionally face slugs, snails, aphids, or bulb mites in damp conditions. To prevent diseases like botrytis and bulb rot, ensure good airflow and well-drained soil, and avoid overhead watering.
Safety Note:
Lycoris contains compounds toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Keep bulbs out of reach of children and animals, and wear gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin.
Supplied as dormant bulbs.