Zephyranthes spp.
rain lilies
warm temperate and tropical Americas
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Zephyranthes spp. is a genus of about 70 to 90 species of small, bulbous perennials in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), native to the warm temperate and tropical Americas. Plants grow from a small underground bulb and form grassy clumps 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) tall and 3 to 6 inches (8 to 15 cm) wide, with narrow, glossy, dark green leaves. The funnel- to star-shaped flowers are held singly on slender, hollow stalks and open 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 8 cm) across in white, pink, or yellow, depending on the species. Flowering is triggered by rain after dry spells, which gives the genus its common name of rain lily, and blooms appear in flushes through summer and fall rather than all at once. The bulbs, leaves, and flowers contain lycorine and related alkaloids and are toxic if eaten. Plants grow in full sun to light shade in moist, well-drained soil and tolerate seasonal drought by going dormant. They multiply into dense clumps by offset bulbs over time, and many species also set seed. Most are frost-tender and are grown as container or lifted bulbs where winters are cold.
Native Range
Zephyranthes spp. is native to the Americas, from the southeastern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean into South America. Z. atamasco occurs in the southeastern United States, while many species are centered in Mexico and South America.Suggested Uses
Zephyranthes spp. is used for edging, rock gardens, containers, and the front of borders, where clumps bloom after summer rains. It naturalizes in lawns and meadows in mild climates. The small size suits container culture and the front of small beds in frost-prone gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread3" - 6"
Bloom Information
Zephyranthes spp. blooms in flushes from early summer into fall, with flowers opening a few days after rain follows a dry period. Each flower lasts two to four days, and a clump may bloom several times in a season. Flowering is sparse in continuously wet or continuously dry conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, pink, or yellowFoliage Description
green, grass-likeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Zephyranthes spp. grows in full sun to light shade in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Plants tolerate seasonal drought by going dormant and resume growth when rain or watering returns. Bulbs are planted 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) deep and multiply into clumps that bloom more freely when slightly crowded. Most species are frost-tender and are grown in containers or lifted before hard frost in cold-winter regions. Wet, poorly drained soils rot the bulbs during dormancy. Clumps can be lifted and divided in spring once flowering thins.Pruning
Zephyranthes spp. needs no pruning. Spent flower stalks can be removed, and yellowing leaves are left to die back so the bulb can store energy. Seed capsules can be removed to direct energy into bulb growth or left to self-sow.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons