How to Propagate Lycoris Radiata

Lycoris radiata, commonly known as red spider lily, is a favorite passalong plant in the southern U.S. It is so prevalent in the South, that it was thought to be a native plant, though it originally hails from Japan. Every fall, the bright red flowers erupt from the ground in a glorious show of color, just when summer flowers are fading away. One of the best things about red spider lily is that it produces bulbs so quickly and prolifically that gardeners are never short of plants to share with friends and neighbors.

Turning fork or shovel
Compost or well-rotted manure
Garden rake
Bone and blood meal
Garden gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Dig Lycoris radiata bulbs in spring when the foliage has died. Use a turning fork to loosen and remove the clump from the ground. Trim the dead foliage so that there is still a short neck on the bulb.
- 2
  Place the bulbs on the ground and separate them gently. Sort the bulbs according to size. Large bulbs are likely to bloom the following years, while small bulbs may take several years to flower.
- 3
  Choose a spot in full or partial sun. Turn 6 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 12 inches of soil. Rake the ground to level it and dig holes six inches apart. Add 1 tbsp. of blood and bone meal mixture into the bottom of the hole.
- 4
  Add one bulb to each hole, alternating bulb sizes. Cover the bulbs with the neck just below the soil surface. Tamp down the soil around the bulbs and water well.

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Bulbs