mexican spider lily Hymenocallis littolaris (Beach Spider Lily)

mexican spider lily Hymenocallis littolaris (Beach Spider Lily)Turn your garden into a moonlit paradise with the elegant blooms of the Hymenocallis littoralis the spider lily that intensifies its fragrance at nightand can bloom repeatedly. This spider lily is often called the "Beach Spider Lily" or "Peruvian daffodil". This Hymenocallis is ideal along the coast in zones 9 11 (hence the "Beach Spider lily" name), but it can work well in zones 7 and 8 if you plant it in a pot and bring it indoors during the winter.

Turn your garden into a moonlit paradise with the elegant blooms of the Hymenocallis littoralis -- the spider lily that intensifies its fragrance at nightand can bloom repeatedly. This spider lily is often called the "Beach Spider Lily" or "Peruvian daffodil". This Hymenocallis is ideal along the coast in zones 9-11 (hence the "Beach Spider lily" name), but it can work well in zones 7 and 8 if you plant it in a pot and bring it indoors during the winter.

Blooms and Foliage: This bulb works best in zones 9-11 in FULL sun! This will grow to between 2-3 feet. The spidery bloom are about 3-5 inches long as extend outward truly looking like spider legs. This Hymenocallis will rebloom in zones 9-11! It will begin to bloom in late spring and continue through early fall. In cooler climates or when grown in containers, it may only bloom once per season usually in early summer. You may want to consider planting this near the "The Tropical Giant" which has similar foliage but blooms in mid-July. The spidery blooms open during the day and stay open throughout the afternoon and evening. There are multiple flowers on each stalk. Each bloom will usually last a couple of days, but the plant will produce multiple flower stalks throughout the season giving it a prolonged bloom display.

The foliage is as striking as the blooms for this bulb! It has long, strap-like leaves that are between 18-24" long and about 2" wide. The leaves are a rich, deep green with a glossy finish. They arch so they produce a lush, fountain-like clump from the base. The foliage holds it shape very well in full sun throughout the hot, humid summer and fall in the south. The foliage will die back with the first frost so if there is no frost, the foliage will look great all-year long! The foliage alone makes this plant worthy of your container or border. 

**The really special thing about this Hymenocallis is that the fragrance intensifies at night which seems to attract nighttime pollinators like moths.

Encouraging Repeat Bloom:

• Consistent moisture (but well-drained soil)

• Bright light or filtered sun

• Fertilize lightly during the growing season

• Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new ones

If overwintered indoors in colder zones, it may take time to reestablish blooming the following season, but with good care, repeat blooms are very possible.

Planting: Plant this bulb in well-drained soil, but keep in mind - it thrives with consistent moisture. Daily summer showers or irrigation are great. Just be sure the soil doesn't stay soggy for long periods. It can tolerate some flooding which makes it ideal for pond edges or rain gardens. This bulb loves full fummer sun (10-15 hours a day) but can tolerate some shade. It would do best with at least 10 hours a day. Afternoon shade or dappled sunlight in late afternoon would help it perform best so keep that in mind if you are thinking about planting it on the south side of your house.

POTS: This plant looks great in grown in pots. It can be left outside in the sun and rain during the summer to add some greenery to your patio. Be sure to bring the pot indoors though if the temperatures drop below 35 degrees.