Beautiful August Bulbs: Lycoris Bulbs (Spider Lilies)

We all love the beautiful flowers that bloom in spring and summer, dazzling us with their vibrant colors and pleasant scents. However, too often forgotten are those stunning flowers that save their beautiful blooms for the late months of summer or early autumn.  

One of the most vibrant August blooms are Lycoris bulbs, also known as Dancing Ladies, Naked Ladies, Spider Lilies, the Surprise Lily, or Resurrection Lilies. 

When spring arrives, these bulbs send up long, strappy leaves that join the chorus of other springtime beauties. These leaves, remaining green throughout spring and summer, work hard to soak up the sunlight and store energy in the bulb.  

As we reach late spring or early summer, when the foliage has gathered enough energy, the leaves gracefully wither away, and the Lycoris bulb goes into a dormant state, preparing for its grand show.  

Around August, the Resurrection Lillies will bloom, and tall flower stalks will emerge from the ground and will produce clusters of enchanting pink blooms that add a splash of life to any late summer garden. 

The Lycoris bulb offers a unique and exciting flowering experience, adding a touch of whimsy to your garden just when other flowers are winding down. In this guide, we'll delve into the key considerations for your Spider Lily plant—when to plant them, where to plant them, and some nifty tips and tricks.  

When and Where to Plant Your Lycoris Bulbs  

Before you grow your Lycoris bulbs, you need to know when and where to plant them.  

Where should you plant your Lycoris bulbs?  

Choosing the perfect spot for your Resurrection Lillies is essential if you want to witness their vibrant and healthy blooms. These plants prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine—ideally, a glorious six hours or more each day. If you spot water puddles after rainfall, it's best to find another area or improve drainage by adding some organic goodness to the soil.  

Spider Lilies can tolerate partial shade, but they prefer the full sun. The more rays of sunshine they bask in, the more splendid their floral display will be. So, if you can, give them all the sunshine they deserve!  

When should you plant your Lycoris bulbs?  

Late summer and early fall are the prime planting seasons for these beauties. This timeline allows the roots ample time to establish themselves before the cold weather sets in. Strong roots are the secret to their survival through winter, ensuring healthy growth when spring dances its way back.  

Why are late summer and early fall ideal for Lycoris bulbs? Well, the extended warm season keeps the soil at a consistent temperature, encouraging rapid root growth. Plus, the delayed flowering ensures that any harsh weather at the end of winter won't dampen the spirits of these newly developed blooms. Planting during this period also grants them ample time to grow before facing winter's chill and reduced sunlight hours, ensuring their long-term health and radiance.  

Lycoris Tips and Tricks  

Once you plant your first Resurrection Lilly and watch them bloom in early autumn, the reason behind the name spider lilies will become clear. The long, thin tendrils emanating from the flower center resemble a spider’s legs and add an unforgettable visual pattern to your garden.  

Keeping these flowers healthy can be easy. Just follow these simple tips. 

• When planting, it's a clever idea to amend your soil surface with compost to improve drainage and raise the level up two to three inches to provide drainage so the plant's roots are not waterlogged for a long time.  
  
  
• Once planted, water deeply and allow the soil to dry between watering sessions.  
  
  
• To fill out container plantings, you can pair Lycoris bulbs with other ornamental annuals or perennials for a cheery display.  
  
  
• You can also cut the flowers when in bloom to enjoy their presence both indoors and outdoors in fabulous bouquets.  
  
  
• Spider lilies grow between 12-18 inches tall so be sure you have enough space for these flowers. 

Knollwood Garden Center is Here for All Your Gardening Needs  

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, Lycoris bulbs, with their late summer bloom, are an excellent addition to any garden. And they come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and gold, so you can find the perfect match for your garden's color scheme and layout.   Pink is the hardiest for our zone, so that is the color we carry, but red and yellow are borderline if you can find them. 

Check out Knollwood Garden Center's complete collection of bulbs here!  

If you are looking for Resurrection Lilies or any other flower or bulb for your garden, then Knollwood Garden Center is the destination for you. At Knollwood Garden Center we stock all the flowers, bulbs, and seeds you need to create the perfect Dayton, Kettering, Beavercreek, Centerville, and Fairborn garden for you.  

Stop by Knollwood Garden Center today to discover your next great garden revelation!    

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