Rain Lily is a flowering bulb that is native to South America. Itis grown as a perennial in Zones 7 through 10 and may remain in the landscape as an evergreen. In cooler climates it must be dug up before the first frost and stored in an indoor location through the winter months. It should be kept cool and dry while stored. If planting in containers, they should be moved indoors to a cool but frost free area and provided with just enough moisture to keep the soil from drying out totally.
In its native habitat, the showy, white,crocus-like flowers will bloom after a rainstorm, hence the common name.
Plant in specimen clumps, along walkways, in rock gardens or in the fronts of borders. It also works well in containers on a patio or as a houseplant.
Offsets can be separated in the spring. To prevent from reseeding, cut the flowers back at the base after they have bloomed and faded. Seed can be collected from the center of the flower after the petals drop.
Although they can be grown in part shade, full sun will provide the best performance. In locations that experience extreme heat, protection from afternoon sun will help avoid dieback of the foliage and hampered floral displays.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant problems:No serious issues, however watch for slugs and snails. Spider mites may also affect this plant.
FAQs
Preferred site. Moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in a shelte red site and full sun is prefer red . They will tolerate drier soils and part shade once established. Winter protection is beneficial in older areas.
Is Zephyranthes Candida poisonous? ›
Bulbs and other plant parts of Zephyranthes and Habranthus species contain the poisonous alkaloid, lycorine, and other components that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and sometimes death in humans and other animals.
Do rain lilies come back every year? ›
An individual rain lily flower will last for a few days. The bulb may re-bloom throughout the season, especially after rainfall. Year after year, the bulbs will continue to bloom if healthy and will also spread nearby, creating more bulbs that will also bloom.
Where is the best place to plant a rain lily? ›
Plant the bulbs outdoors in the spring after all danger of frost is past in full sun and soil rich in organic matter. The top of the bulb should be about an inch under the soil surface and 2-4” apart (or closer in containers as they do best when crowded and slightly pot-bound).
Does Zephyranthes Candida like sun or shade? ›
Although they can be grown in part shade, full sun will provide the best performance. In locations that experience extreme heat, protection from afternoon sun will help avoid dieback of the foliage and hampered floral displays.
How far apart do you plant Zephyranthes Candida? ›
Zephyranthes candida is ideal for cottage gardens, rock gardens, mixed plantings, planting around the base of larger trees and shrubs, or simply growing in a container. For an amazing display try a mass planting Zephyranthes candida on a bank or as a groundcover with plants spaced 20 cm apart.
Is rain lily poisonous to humans? ›
It prefers direct sunlight, a moderate amount of watering, and well-draining soil. They can be propagated by dividing clumps of their bulbs as well as from their seeds. However, their bulbs are toxic; consumption of the bulbs may cause vomiting, convulsions, or even death to humans. Learn more about this plant here.
Are Zephyranthes toxic to dogs? ›
Autumn crocus (Zephyranthes) bulbs are highly toxic to cats and dogs. Other common garden plants that are toxic if consumed are arum and calla lilies (Zantedeschia), rhododendrons and azaleas, foxgloves, daphne, rhubarb leaves, delphiniums, jasmine, amaranth, laburnum, oleander, and the weed lantana.
Can spider lilies make you sick? ›
🚫 Lycorine makes Red Spider Lilies toxic, causing nausea and abdominal pain. 🧒 Especially dangerous for children; even small nibbles can upset stomachs. 🚨 Immediate action required after ingestion; call Poison Control, don't induce vomiting.
Do water lilies come back every year? ›
And while water lilies may be most visible on the surface of still freshwater, they are rooted in the mud below, where they overwinter and regrow the following year.
Lilies can handle below-freezing temperatures in the garden, but if you live in a colder region than Zone 4, the plants may need winter protection. You can either add a thick layer of mulch over the bulbs or dig up the bulbs in fall before the ground freezes.
When to plant Zephyranthes? ›
Zephyranthes (or Rain Lily) is a tender bulb and must be protected from frost. They can be started off indoors or in a heated greenhouse between March and May and then transplanted outside later in the season. Alternatively, you can plant them directly outside in early May.
Where is the best place to plant lilies in your yard? ›
Where to plant lilies. Lilies do best in a position of full sun, ideally with their roots in rich and fairly moist, yet free-draining soil or compost. Grow oriental lilies in acidic soil or ericaceous compost, and Asiatic lilies in neutral to alkaline soil or multi-purpose compost.
Do rain lilies bloom at night? ›
Evening Star Rainlily is a bulb with fragrant dainty white flowers in the amaryllis family. The flowers open in the evening and last a few days making it an excellent choice for a nighttime garden. The flowers often appear a day or two after a rain.
What is the habit of Zephyranthes Candida? ›
Growth Habit: Mostly evergreen, herbaceous perennial, moderately slow to clump to 6- to 10-inches tall by 10- to 20-inches wide. Foliage/Texture: Basal clumps of linear, succulent foliage that are more persistent than leaves of other Zephyranthes species; fine texture.
Can Zephyranthes be grown in pots? ›
Zephyranthes is petite in nature and well suited to growing in containers or pots. Pair with other full-sun-loving perennials that do not need much watering - this will ensure your Zephyranthes plant does not get overwatered by accident.
What is the common name for Zephyranthes Candida? ›
Zephyranthes candida, with common names that include autumn zephyrlily, white windflower, white rain lily, and Peruvian swamp lily, is a species of rain lily native to South America including Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.
Do daylilies like to be wet? ›
Daylilies are drought tolerant, but they prefer growing in soil that stays moist throughout the growing season. In fact, daylilies are perfectly happy to grow near a pond or seasonal waterway. With their dense, shallow root systems, they also help to reduce soil erosion.
