Mangrove Spider Lily (Hymenocallis latifolia): Fragrant Coastal Native for Wet Soils

Overview

Mangrove spider lily (Hymenocallis latifolia), also called perfumed spider lily, is a striking bulbous perennial native to coastal regions of the southeastern U.S., Caribbean, and Central America. Its large, white, spidery flowers with long, narrow tepals emit a sweet fragrance, especially at night.

Botanical Description

Clump-forming perennial 60–90 cm tall. Leaves are strap-shaped, 60–100 cm long, 3–5 cm wide, glossy green, evergreen in frost-free zones. Flowers are borne in umbels of 5–12 on a stout scape; each flower has a central cup (corona) and 6 long, narrow, white tepals 10–15 cm long. Blooms spring to summer.

Taxonomy

Family:	Amaryllidaceae (am-uh-ril-id-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Hymenocallis (hy-men-oh-KAL-is)
Species:	latifolia (lat-ee-FOH-lee-uh)

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Moist to wet, rich, slightly acidic; tolerates brackish water.
• Water: High; thrives in saturated soils.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 9–11.

Garden Uses

Rain gardens, pond margins, bog gardens, coastal landscapes. Salt-tolerant. Fragrant evening blooms near patios. Combines with iris, canna, and wetland grasses.

Notes

All parts toxic if ingested (lycorine alkaloids). Deer resistant. The genus Hymenocallis includes many southeastern U.S. natives. H. latifolia is the most salt-tolerant.