Eucharis Spider Lily

Eucharis Spider Lily (Hymenocallis eucharidifolia) is an evergreen bulb for warm gardens, holding a clump of broad, glossy leaves about 50cm tall and wide, topped in the warmer months by white spider like flowers with a sweet perfume. It brings a lush, tropical look to shaded borders and pots, and unlike most lush looking plants it does not demand perfect conditions in return.

Why you'll love it

• Fragrant, sculptural flowers. Each white bloom carries long spidery outer segments around a central cup, held clear of the foliage and scented enough to notice in passing.
• Glossy foliage all year. The broad leaves stay green through winter in its preferred climates, so the clump earns its space between flowerings.
• Thrives where drainage is doubtful. It tolerates wet feet, which opens up the boggy corners and drainage lines that kill most bulbs.
• Heat and humidity are home ground. Steamy summers push growth rather than disease.
• Genuinely low maintenance. No staking, no strict deadheading and no winter lifting in frost free gardens.

Where it works best

Borders and edging. Plant 40cm apart along a shaded path or bed edge for a continuous band of glossy green with seasonal flower.

Mass planting and groundcover. At the same 40cm spacing it fills the shade beneath trees and the awkward strip along a fence with one repeated, reliable plant.

Pots and poolside. The bold foliage suits containers and the sheltered, humid microclimate around pools, where its glossy leaves handle splash and reflected warmth.

Growing eucharis spider lily in Australia

Position and climate. Morning sun or bright dappled shade is ideal; harsh afternoon sun can scorch the broad leaves. It is a plant for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It is frost tender, so in cooler districts grow it in a pot and winter it under cover.

Soil. Rich, moist soil with compost dug through. Unusually, it forgives poor drainage and periodic wet feet, though it does not require them.

Water and feed. Keep it evenly moist through spring and summer, easing off in winter. A controlled release fertiliser in spring and a liquid feed in mid summer keep the foliage deep green and the flowering strong.

Pruning. None to speak of. Cut spent flower stems at the base and remove the odd tired leaf. Clumps thicken over the years and can be lifted and divided in spring if you want more plants.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell it as tube stock: a young plant with a developing bulb that is modest on arrival and builds steadily. Expect foliage growth in the first season and more generous flowering from the second year as the bulb gains size. It travels well and transplants without fuss in warm weather.

Orders are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Meet its sun loving cousin, the Beach Spider Lily.
• Read our guide to growing spider lilies.
• Browse more tropical plants for the same look.
• See other plants for poolside gardens.

Common questions

Is it safe around pets?

No. Like most of its family, the bulbs are toxic if eaten, so keep it away from dogs that dig and chew. Plant it behind a border or grow it in raised pots in a pet heavy garden.

Will it survive frost?

No, it is frost tender. In warm temperate gardens a sheltered, frost free microclimate works; anywhere colder, grow it in a container and move it under cover for winter.

How is it different from the beach spider lily?

The two are close relatives. This species carries broader, lusher foliage and takes more shade, while the beach spider lily is the pick for hot, sandy, full sun positions. Both share the white spider flowers.

Can it stay in a wet spot?

Yes. This is one of the few bulbs that tolerates wet feet, so a low corner that stays damp after rain will not bother it. It grows just as happily in an ordinary, well tended garden bed.