How To Protect Your Beautiful Red Spider Lilies From Frost As Seasons Change

Though the red spider lily plant (Lycoris radiata) doesn't usually bloom until the end of summer or the start of fall, you may still need to consider how to protect your perennials from frost. These gorgeous flowers grow throughout the southeastern United States, but in some areas, it may still be too cold for them as the seasons change. Red spider lilies are generally grown in USDA Zones 6 to 10, though sometimes they are grown in Zone 5. When planted in areas with more bitter winters, such as in Zones 5 through 7, red spider lilies will need some kind of cover to protect them from the freezing temperatures and frost.

Planting your red spider lilies beside a building or giving them a bit of shelter can help with preventing damage as the weather shifts and protect your plants from frost. During winter, the leaves should remain on your plant to continue absorbing sunlight after flowering has finished, as the red spider lily's dormant period is at the start of summer. Providing your plants with a bit of fertilizer after the blossoms fade away will also prepare your red spider lilies for the upcoming harsh weather; however, you'll want to ensure you're giving the plants the correct nutrients for this season.

If you didn't know everything you should before planting red spider lilies and you placed your flowers in an area without shelter, it's crucial to provide proper mulch cover during the winter. Even with some shelter from a building or a raised garden bed, insulating your red spider lilies is likely the best way to keep them from getting too cold. Once the end of autumn arrives and winter frosts will soon close in, lay mulch over your plants. This could be bark chips, pine needles, straw, or even leaves. By having a layer of mulch over your plants, you'll keep the cold wind off them and add some insulation around them.

Other coverings, such as frost protection blankets, will also help to prevent damage to your red spider lilies during winter. You can get the Valibe Plant Cover, which comes in various sizes, starting at $11.99 on Amazon.

Before mulching and after your lilies stop flowering, give your plant a fertilizer that has more potassium and phosphorus and less nitrogen. This will aid your plant in strengthening its roots before the first frost. For those with potted red spider lilies, you might simply relocate your plant into a garage or shed to keep it somewhat out of the cold; however, it should still be getting sunlight. By mulching your plant, fertilizing in late fall, and trying to give it some shelter, you can ensure your red spider lilies blossom with beautiful flowers next year.