Spider Lily

Hymenocallis littoralis

Light

Water

Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix; keep soil evenly moist during active growth without prolonged saturation. Reduce watering in winter, especially if foliage dies back.

Size

2-3 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide

Habit

Bulb/tuberous

Toxicity

Toxic — Pets

Description

A tropical bulb-forming perennial with arching, strap-shaped leaves and fragrant white flowers featuring long, narrow petals around a central cup.

Bloom Time

Spring through summer

Deciduous / Evergreen

Semi-evergreen

Special Features

Fragrant, Toxic (see detail)

Growth Rate

Moderate

Growth Habit

Bulb/tuberous

Mature Size

2-3 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide

Flower Color

White

Foliage Color

Dark green

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Tropical Garden

Garden Style

Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Tropical

Soil

Amended / Rich, Moist Soil, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Afternoon-shaded locations, Canna lilies, Elephant ears, Papyrus, Shell ginger

Toxicity

Toxic — Pets

All parts, especially bulbs, toxic if ingested (lycorine alkaloids)

Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; avoid intense reflected heat and hot western exposures.

Water: Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix; keep soil evenly moist during active growth without prolonged saturation. Reduce watering in winter, especially if foliage dies back.

Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil amended with compost; containers need drainage holes.

Mature size: 2–3 feet tall and wide; established bulb clumps gradually spread wider.

Bloom: Typically late spring through summer, sometimes into fall with consistent warmth and moisture.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may lose foliage during cold winters in Zone 9b.

Growth rate: Moderate with adequate warmth, water, and nutrients.