The plant commonly known as the Spider Lily belongs to the genus Lycoris, a group of distinctive flowering bulbs within the Amaryllis family. These perennials are famous for their dramatic, sudden appearance in late summer or early fall, where tall, leafless stalks emerge from the ground, quickly topped with striking, star-like flowers. The slender, reflexed petals and exceptionally long stamens give the bloom a spidery look, which is how the common name originated. While known for this unique form, the palette of colors it presents is surprisingly broad.
The Iconic Red Spider Lily
The vibrant red variety, Lycoris radiata, is the color most widely recognized and associated with the “Spider Lily” name. This species features showy, coral-red or crimson flowers that appear on leafless stalks rising between 1 and 2 feet tall. The blossoms are composed of narrow segments that curve strongly backward, while long, spindly stamens jut out, enhancing the spidery appearance.
The deep, fiery color of Lycoris radiata has made it a significant cultural symbol, particularly in East Asia, where it is native. In Japan, the flower’s sudden bloom around the fall equinox has earned it names like “equinox flower.” This specific red color is so prevalent that many assume it is the only shade available.
The Lycoris radiata is also frequently called the “Hurricane Lily,” referencing its tendency to bloom right before or after heavy late-summer or early-fall rains. These rains signal the bulb to send up its flower stalks, resulting in a sudden display of crimson color. The intense red of this variety is a powerful color in the garden, often appearing when other blooms have faded.
White and Golden Varieties
Beyond the familiar crimson, the Lycoris genus offers two other common natural color forms: white and golden yellow. The white variety is most often seen in the hybrid Lycoris × albiflora, sometimes called the White Spider Lily. This plant produces clusters of pure, glistening white flowers.
The white petals curl elegantly and possess the long, protruding stamens characteristic of the genus. Occasionally, the white blooms may exhibit a creamy or pale pink flush down the center of each segment when first opening. This provides a softer contrast to the intense red species, making it a popular choice for night gardens.
For a bright, sunny shade, the Golden Spider Lily, Lycoris aurea, presents striking umbels of a rich, deep golden-yellow color. The petals are typically wavy-margined and reflexed, creating a bold look. Both the white and golden varieties display their colorful blooms on leafless stems before the foliage appears later in the season.
Exploring Rare and Hybrid Colors
The full spectrum of Lycoris color extends far beyond the main three, with many natural species and cultivated hybrids expanding the available palette. Less common natural colors include the apricot-orange of Lycoris sanguinea and the creamy yellow of Lycoris caldwellii. These species demonstrate the genus’s ability to produce warmer tones in the orange and pale-yellow range.
Modern hybridization efforts have introduced colors such as rose pink, peach, coral, and lilac, allowing for a broader range of garden designs. One example is the pink resurrection lily, Lycoris squamigera, which has lavender-pink trumpet-shaped flowers. Breeders have also created unique bicolor forms, such as pink petals tipped with a pale blue or magenta-pink flowers with electric blue tips, a trait seen in Lycoris sprengeri.
These rare and hybrid colors show that while the iconic crimson remains the most famous, the Lycoris genus offers nearly the entire warm side of the color wheel. The availability of these shades allows enthusiasts to collect flowers ranging from soft pastels to intense hues.