Red spider lily: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Lycoris radiata
Red spider lily (Lycoris radiata, family Amaryllidaceae) usually lasts 5–7 days in a vase. In season: Autumn. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: focal flower.
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Red spider lily
- Botanical name
- Lycoris radiata
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Aliases
- red spider lily
- Native origin
- South Africa, Mediterranean Basin and South America
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial with sturdy, upright flowering stems.
- Stem length
- 50–70 cm
- Natural colours
- Red, White, Yellow
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in autumn
- Commercial supply
- Peak in autumn
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 5–7 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Leafless stalks topped by spidery red flowers around the autumn equinox; a Mid-Autumn material. All parts are toxic — wash hands after handling.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Focal flower in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Leafless stalks topped by spidery red flowers around the autumn equinox; a Mid-Autumn material. All parts are toxic — wash hands after handling.
For florists
Try Red spider lily in a client design
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Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Leafless stalks topped by spidery red flowers around the autumn equinox; a Mid-Autumn material. All parts are toxic — wash hands after handling.
- Red spider lily is mildly toxic to cats and dogs: remind clients with pets to keep it out of reach.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ! | Mildly toxic if eaten — advise keeping it out of reach. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | About 5–7 days in a vase — fine to make up a day ahead. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as red spider lily and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmos | Filler flower | 5–7 days |
| Baby's breath | Filler flower | 7–10 days |
| Love-lies-bleeding | Line flower | 7–10 days |
| Gladiolus | Line flower | 7–10 days |
| Eucalyptus | Foliage | 10–14 days |
| Monstera leaf | Foliage | 10–14 days |
Substitutes
When red spider lily is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinnia | 5–7 days | Summer, Autumn | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| Gerbera daisy | 6–10 days | Year-round | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| Dahlia | 4–6 days | Summer, Autumn | None | mildly toxic |
| Rose | 5–7 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
FAQ
How long does red spider lily last in a vase?
Usually 5–7 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is red spider lily in season?
In season in autumn; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep red spider lily fresh?
Leafless stalks topped by spidery red flowers around the autumn equinox; a Mid-Autumn material. All parts are toxic — wash hands after handling.
What colours does red spider lily come in?
Naturally in red, white, yellow (not counting dyed stems).
Is red spider lily toxic to cats or dogs?
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
What can I use instead of red spider lily?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Zinnia, Gerbera daisy, Dahlia, Rose.
Related guides
In season at the same time
ChrysanthemumLove-lies-bleedingMaple branchesWinterberryGlobe amaranthZinniaDahliaCelosia