Lycoris aurea Yellow Spider Lily Bulbs

Plant Yellow Spider Lily bulbs in the fall before the first frost, and by late summer, when many plants are beginning to go dormant, these striking lilies will burst into bloom. A highly sought-after collector's variety, the Yellow Spider Lily is larger than its red counterpart, boasting more substantial flowers, leaves, and bulbs. Its clusters of golden orange flowers, reminiscent of azaleas, sit atop strong, leafless stems that rise 18 to 24 inches tall. Frilly and fragrant, these blooms are prized as cut flowers for late summer bouquets and floral arrangements. In the garden, they sustain pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life and color when most other plants are fading.

This Lycoris aurea species, commonly known by many names—including spider lily, golden spider lily, magic lily, surprise lily, and September lily—is sometimes called the resurrection flower because the flower spikes seemingly rise from the dead in late summer. The Yellow Spider Lily is a long-lived bulbous perennial with an upright habit. Once planted, these bulbs prefer not to be disturbed, making them ideal for permanent spots in garden beds and borders, rather than containers unless grown as annuals.

For best results, plant Yellow Spider Lily bulbs 8 inches apart and 4 to 6 inches deep in a sunny location, though some shade can help prolong the bloom time. Water the bulbs regularly during their growth cycle, but allow the soil to dry out during their summer dormancy. Lightly mulch over the winter, especially in northern ranges, to protect the bulbs. Feed these lilies with Espoma Organic® Bulb-tone® Bulb and Flower Food as soon as growth begins in the spring. Once established, Yellow Spider Lily is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance garden plant that resists deer and rodents.

For tips on creating a stunning spring bulb garden, check out our blog post on How to Plant a Spring Bulb Garden. And don't forget to visit our Garden Essentials page for all the tools and products you'll need to get started.