Surprise Lily for the South

The Red Spider Lily is nothing short of magical

Some flowers are simply magical. For me, the Red Spider Lily immediately comes to mind.

Just when we get a taste of cooler, refreshing weather, the Red Spider Lily suddenly—and majestically—makes its appearance. It’s as though Mother Nature herself is celebrating the end of a sweltering Summer!

Our friends at The Southern Bulb Co. not only produce Red Spider Lily bulbs, they’re also fascinated with the history of these flowers. Here’s a bit of horticulture knowledge gleaned from their website:

The History of the Red Spider Lily
In 1854 Commodore William Perry opened the ports to Japan aboard some of the U.S. Navy's first steam powered ships while under orders from President Millard Fillmore. Aboard one ship in the fleet was a certain Captain William Roberts, who had a keen eye for horticultural treasures. While in Japan, Captain Roberts acquired three bulbs of a plant with red spidery type blooms. His niece would later described the bulbs as being, "in such a dry condition that they did not show signs of life until the War Between the States." These three bulbs survived and eventually thrived in their new North Carolina home before spreading across the Southern U.S.

Fascinating, no? There are even more interesting tidbits on the company’s website. (Psst! Click through to view the video on this page describing a great way to integrate Red Spider Lilies in the lawn!)

According to The Southern Bulb Co., the Red Spider Lily can be planted late-Spring through Fall, sending up Winter foliage that dies back into dormancy during the Summer, until your breath is taken away with its sudden fall blooms. Red Spider Lily foliage needs at least a half-day of full Winter sun to thrive.

Now the best part: You can get these fantastic bulbs at Calloway’s and Cornelius Nursery for a limited time—and at a special price. We’ll be offering bags containing 3 large, premium bulbs for $10. What does this mean for you? You’ll have a 2- to 3-year head start versus regular-sized bulbs found elsewhere. (Bigger bulbs means bigger plants and bigger blooms!)

Good news all around, I’m thinking. Stop by your nearest Calloway’s or Cornelius location and add some Red Spider Lilies to your bulb collection!