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Red Spider Lily Wikimedia Commons
Amaryllidaceae

Red Spider Lily

Lycoris radiata

Final goodbyes and lost memories.

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Genus
Lycoris
Native to
China, Korea, Nepal, Japan
Bloom season
Fall
Type
Bulbous perennial
Height
30-60 cm
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Well-drained, humus-rich
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
6-10
Lifespan
Perennial

Did you know

  • In Japanese folklore, these flowers are said to bloom along the path to the afterlife.
  • The flowers appear before the leaves, and the leaves appear after flowers die, so they never meet.
  • All parts of the plant are toxic, which historically made them useful for protecting rice paddies from pests.
  • In Japan they are called 'higanbana' and are associated with the autumn equinox.
  • The bulbs contain lycorine, a compound studied for potential anti-cancer properties.

Color meanings

0

Abandonment

1

Never to meet again

2

Reincarnation

Uses

  • Ornamental
  • Pest deterrent
  • Cultural ceremonies
  • Traditional medicine