Hymenocallis longipetala - Spider Lily

Hymenocallis longipetala, also known as the Spider Lily, Peruvian Daffodil or Sea Daffodil, is a bulb with white, intricately designed and fragrant flowers of surreal beauty.

The plant kingdom is abundant with plants that even the most fertile imagination could not conceive. There are varieties with both supernatural and extravagant silhouettes. Hymenocallis longipetala originates from rocky areas in Central and South America. It is also found in the southern parts of North America. It belongs to the large Amaryllidaceae family. The leaves have a rounded apex and a tapering base and are and arranged in rosettes. Each plant produces 2 to 3 flower stalks. The medium green leaves are shiny and ribbon-like. They form large clumps from which the stalks emerge and can reach a height of 90 cm (35in). From March to June, these stalks bear 2 to 5 flowers with an average diameter of 12 cm (5in). The flowers have long petals resembling filaments and are slightly curved backwards. The perianth takes the form of a calyx that carries the anthers, which are gathered at the front and in the middle of the flower.

Hymenocallis longipetala prefers light, relatively poor soils without limestone. It is sensitive to both drought and excessive moisture and thrives in full sunlight. It cannot tolerate frost: plant the bulbs once the last frost has passed or, better yet, when the soil has warmed up to 15 cm (6in) deep. In autumn, dig up the bulbs to store them indoors. With its fragrant flowers, it is stunning on its own in a vase. If you want to grow it as part of a flower bed, pair it with the sulphur yellow Ismene festalis sulphur queen for a combination of captivating beauties!