How to Grow a Red Spider Lily

Clear a planting site in the fall that provides full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Allow a 1-square-foot area for each red spider lily bulb.

Incorporate 3 to 4 inches of organic matter, such as compost, aged manure and well-rotted leaves into the planting area to enrich the soil. Mix the soil to a depth of 12 inches and then rake the area level.

Dig a 5-inch hole for each red spider lily bulb and space the holes 12 inches apart. Place a bulb in each hole and cover with soil. Saturate the soil with water to settle the bulbs in place.

Add a 3-inch layer of mulch around the planted bulbs to prevent weeds from growing. Only water the red spider lilies during the bloom period each fall, if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week.

Allow the plants to die back naturally in the spring while they are dormant. Dig up and divide the red spider lily bulbs during the summer every couple of years.