Lycoris aurea

RHS Plant Profile
golden spider lily
golden spider lily RHS

Other common names

golden hurricane lily, golden lily

Synonyms

Lycoris traubii

Bulbs Conservatory Greenhouse

A bulbous perennial producing umbels of five or six tubular-funnel-shaped, wavy-margined, yellow flowers, 10cm across, with the petals reflexed at the tips and prominent stamens. Semi-erect, fleshy, strap-shaped leaves up to 60cm long appear after the flowers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Lycoris are bulbous perennials producing showy umbels of funnel-shaped flowers on leafless stems from spring to autumn. The leaves can be linear or strap-shaped
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
SE Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in autumn in fertile, well-drained soil that dries out in summer. Protect in colder areas with a deep, dry mulch over winter. In areas with wet summers grow as a container plant in a conservatory or cool greenhouse

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown with moderate heat as soon as ripe or remove offsets after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free