Hymenocallis occidentalis

Common Names

Spider Lily, Northern Spider Lily, Carolina Spiderlily, Woodland Spider Lily, Hammock Spider Lily, Summer Spider Lily

Summary

Native to the southeastern United States, this bulbous perennial forms dense clumps and reaches about 18–24 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide; leaves are basal and strap-like, and white flowers with a central cup and six long slender tepals are fragrant, borne in clusters on top of leafless stalks, with bulbs that multiply over time in moist habitats such as swamps and bottomlands.

For cultivation, it tolerates sun to partial shade and prefers moist to wet soils, making it suitable for bog gardens, rain gardens, and planting near ponds or streams; propagation is by division or seed, bulbs should be planted about 4 inches deep and 6–10 inches apart, bloom time is July to September in many areas (early July to Sept in northern Florida), hardy zones 5–8, maintenance is minimal with foliage removed after yellowing, and bulbs are poisonous to many animals.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3.5 feet

Spread

1-2.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist to wet soil, acidic to neutral, loamy or sandy soils with some organic matter

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic to neutral, 6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage; foliage dies back mid-summer.

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds