High Country Gardens
Red Spider Lily
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking vibrant, deer-resistant fall color.
Discover the enchanting Red Spider Lily, also known as the 'Red Magic Lily' or 'Red Surprise Lily.' This captivating bulb produces striking red flowers in the fall, appearing before its foliage emerges, creating a unique visual spectacle. It's a deer-resistant and long-lived perennial, promising years of beauty in your garden. While it may take a couple of seasons to re-establish after planting, the wait is rewarded with its stunning, fragrant blooms. Ideal for zones 6-10, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, adding a touch of magic to your landscape.
$12.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 3088
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-45%
Below average
Flower Bulb Size
79
/ - cm
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant late-season color
- Homeowners managing gardens with heavy wildlife pressure
- Landscapers maintaining low-water or drought-prone garden beds
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate floral results
- Designers prioritizing tidy, year-round foliage aesthetics
- Families with curious young children or foraging pets
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Striking red blooms create a dramatic, high-contrast focal point.
Deer Resistance
Reliable protection against garden pests keeps your landscape intact.
Establishment Speed
Requires patience as bulbs often take multiple seasons to settle.
Perennial Longevity
A long-lived investment that returns reliably year after year.
Fragrance Intensity
Subtle, pleasant scent adds a sensory layer without being overwhelming.
Climate Versatility
Broad adaptability across zones six through ten ensures wide appeal.
Key Specs
Flower Bulb Size
7-9 cm
Mature Height
12-24 inches tall
Planting Depth
5 inches deep
Spacing
1 bulb per sq. ft.
Hardiness Zones
6-10
Ships As
Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber
Neonicotinoid Free
Yes
Non-GMO
No
Features
- Showy fall blooms appear before leaves
- Deer resistant for garden protection
- Long-lived perennial returns yearly
- Fragrant flowers add sensory appeal
- Unique bloom habit
- Suitable for various garden regions
- Vibrant red flower color
What customers say
The quality and reliability of the Red Spider Lily bulbs are the standout features for gardeners. Customers frequently note that the bulbs arrive in excellent condition, ensuring a successful planting experience. The resulting spectacular fall bloom is highly reliable, delivering a dramatic splash of vibrant red color exactly when expected. This consistent performance and visual payoff establish the Red Spider Lily as a genuinely useful and high value perennial addition.
Know before you buy
The Red Spider Lily is a 'naked' bloomer, meaning its flower stalks emerge from the soil in late summer or fall without any foliage present. The leaves typically grow after the flowers have faded and remain through the winter, eventually dying back in the spring.
It is common for Red Spider Lilies to take a season or two to re-establish after being moved or planted. While you might see blooms the first year, they often perform best once they have settled into their new environment.
For best results, plant your bulbs 5 inches deep. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent the bulbs from rotting during their dormant period.
Yes, Red Spider Lilies are considered deer-resistant. Their unique chemical composition and growth habit generally discourage deer and other garden pests from grazing on them.
These lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates within their hardiness range, they may appreciate a bit of afternoon shade to protect the blooms.
While they are typically planted directly in the garden, you can grow them in containers as long as the pot provides excellent drainage and is deep enough to accommodate the 5-inch planting depth. Keep in mind that container-grown bulbs may require more consistent monitoring of moisture levels.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$13