Zephyranthes, Genus, candida, Species,
- Genus & species
White rain lily
Río de la Plata region, South America
Overview
Zephyranthes candida is a bulbous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae, native to the Río de la Plata region of South America. Plants form clumps of narrow, rush-like leaves 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) long and 0.1–0.2 inch (3–5 mm) wide, arising from ovoid bulbs 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across. Leaves are dark green and persist through mild winters, and die back in colder climates. Flowers are borne singly on hollow stalks 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall. Each flower is an upright, crocus-like cup with six white tepals, 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) across, with a yellow center of stamens and a pale pink to green flush on the outer surface in bud. Flowering is triggered by rainfall or irrigation after a dry period, and the plant spreads by offset bulbs to form colonies 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) wide per clump. Overall height is 6–12 inches (15–30 cm). Bulbs tolerate winter temperatures to about 10°F (-12°C) with mulch (USDA zones 7–10), and all parts contain alkaloids that are toxic if eaten.
Native Range
The Río de la Plata region of South America, including Argentina and Uruguay, in damp grassland and along stream margins.Suggested Uses
Used as an edging along paths and borders, spaced 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) apart in groups of 10 or more. Grown in containers 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) wide and in rock gardens in zones 7–10.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread6" - 10"
Bloom Information
Flowers open in flushes from midsummer to early autumn (July–October) in the Northern Hemisphere. Each flush follows rainfall or heavy watering by 7–10 days, and individual flowers last 1–3 days. A clump produces 2–4 flushes in a season when moisture alternates with dry periods.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with yellow stamensFoliage Description
Dark green, narrow and rush-likeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Bulbs are set 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) deep and 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) apart in full sun to light shade, in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Moist soil during active growth from spring to autumn supports repeated flowering, and established clumps tolerate short dry periods. Balanced fertilizer is applied once in spring at the label rate for bulbs. In zones 7–8, a 2–3 inch (5–7.5 cm) mulch layer protects bulbs through winter, and in colder zones bulbs are lifted after the first frost and stored at 50–60°F (10–15°C). Clumps are divided every 3–5 years after flowering, which reduces crowding and leaf-dense centers. Foliage is damaged by sustained temperatures below 15°F (-9°C).Pruning
No structural pruning is needed. Dead foliage is cut to 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the bulb in late winter before new leaves emerge. Flower stalks are cut at the base after the flowers fade.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
early spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
