Hymenocallis latifolia (Perfumed Spider Lily)

Prized for its showy white flowers, Hymenocallis latifolia (Perfumed Spider Lily) is a tender bulbous perennial boasting showy umbels of 10-16 large, fragrant, pure white flowers, 5 in. across (12 cm), from spring to fall. The flowers open up to look like giant white spiders, each blossom featuring a central cup and 6 incredibly long, slender petals.

Prized for its showy white flowers, Hymenocallis latifolia (Perfumed Spider Lily) is a tender bulbous perennial boasting showy umbels of 10-16 large, fragrant, pure white flowers, 5 in. across (12 cm), from spring to fall. The flowers open up to look like giant white spiders, each blossom featuring a central cup and 6 incredibly long, slender petals. Long-lasting, the flowers rise atop leafless stalks, well above the evergreen foliage of arching, leathery, strap-shaped leaves. Requiring little maintenance or care, this clumping perennial is perfect for moist borders, bog gardens, along streams and ponds, as a groundcover or as an accent plant. Perfumed Spider Lily will multiply and spread quickly by underground bulbs.

  • Grows up to 12-36 in. tall (30-90 cm) and 36-60 in. wide (90-150 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade in moist to wet, organically rich soils. Soils must never be allowed to dry out. Tolerant of occasional or brief inundation. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt spray without injury.
  • Generally disease and pest free. Keep an eye out for snails, caterpillars and mealy bugs.
  • Propagate by division.
  • Native to southern Florida, Texas and the West Indies.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Hymenocallis
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 3'
(30cm
– 90cm)
Spread 3'
– 5'
(90cm
– 150cm)
Spacing 36″
– 60″
(90cm
– 150cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Florida, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden