Zephyranthes

( zeff - er - RANTH - eez )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennials grow from bulb and need full sun to partial shade and regular water during their growth and blooming periods. They are commonly called Zephyr Flower, Rain Lily or Fairy Lily and are native to South America and Central America. They form clumps of bright green foliage from which hollow stems sprout, topped with a single blossom. Flowers come after rains or increased watering in late summer or early fall. Zephyr Flower is great in rock gardens or as foreground plants in border beds. They are also great in pots on patios or in greenhouses. Take care when planting these flowers in the garden, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets, livestock, and poultry if ingested.

Zephyranthes Species and Varietals

Zephyranthes plants are members of the plant family Amaryllidoideae and includes around 200 species. The genus Zephyranthes The best growing zones for Fairy Lily vary depending on the species; for more information see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Zephranthes atamasca (Atamasco-Lily, Rain Lily)
This species is native to the southeastern United States, where it typically grows in swampy forests and coastal prairies. Blooms are present between March or April.

Zephyranthes candida (Autumn Zephyrlily, White Windflower, White Rain Lily, Peruvian Swamp Lily)
Best in zones 4-9, 12-24, H1 and H2, these plants produce white flowers that are sometimes blushed with pink at the throat. They are evergreen in the warmer climates of their zone ranges. Variety 'Prairie Pink' has light apricot blooms that fade to light pink with age.

Zephyranthes carinata (Zephyranthes grandiflora) (Rosepink Zephyr Lily, Pink Rain Lily)
This species of Fairy Lily has very large flowers and grows well in zones 7-9, 12-24, H1 and H2. Flowers are rose-pink and open during the daytime, closing back up when the sun goes down.

Zephyranthes chlorosolen (Drummond's Rain-Lily, Evening Rain-Lily, Evening Star Rain Lily, Brazos Rain-Lily, Texas Rainlily, Cebolleta)
These plants are native to the southern United States and Mexico, and are an introduced species in southern Brazil. They typically reach between 7 and 14 inches tall, and individual plants produce just one flower per season. Blooms are primarily white, but will sometimes have pale green flushing. Leaves are dull green.

Zephyranthes citrina (Citron Rainlily, Citron Zephyrlily)
This species grows well in zones 7-9, 12-24, H1 and H2 and produces yellow flowers. These plants are native to Mexico, and typically are found growing in grasslands. Flowers appear in July after rains. These flowers are grown as garden ornamentals.

Zephyranthes drummondii (Evening Rain Lily, Evening Star Rain Lily, Giant Rain Lily, Hill Country Rain Lily, Prairie Lily)
These flowers are native to a range that spans from northwestern Florida to northeastern Mexico, and reach between 6 and 18 inches tall when in bloom. Foliage is blue-green, and flowers are white (sometimes with pink flushing), blooming from March through August. 
Zephyranthes Hybrids
In addition to the countless species in the genus, there are also many hybrids and cultivars bred for unique flower color, plant size, and hardiness. A sampling of this group is listed below:
'Ajax'
'Apricot Queen'
'Aquarius'
'Bali Beauty'
'Bangkok Yellow'
'Bayberry Bells'
'Beni Tama'
'Big Shot'
'Confection'
'Cookie Cutter Moon'
'Dark Pink Spider'
'Fantasy Island'
'Grandjax'
'Jacala Red'
'JoAnn Trial'
'Krakatau'
'Libra'
'Moulin Rouge'
'Norma Pearl'
'Paul Niemi'
'Prairie Sunset'
'Summer's Chill'
'Sunset Strain'
'Twinkle'
'Valles Yellow'
'Yellow Rain'

Zephyranthes minuta
This species is widely grown as a garden ornamental plant, and produce shiny green leaves. Flowers are pink. Varieties sold for garden cultivation typically have larger flowers and foliage than the wild true species.

Zephyranthes robusta (Habranthus robustus) (Brazilian Copperlily, Pink Fairy Lily, Pink Rain Lily)
These plants are native to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, and has naturalized in Florida, Colombia, South Africa, and Mauritius. This species is somewhat larger than the rest in the genus, making it a popular garden ornamental. Flowers are lavender to pale pink, and appear after rains between late summer and early fall. Flowers bloom before leaves, which are deep green and up to 16 inches long.

Zephyranthes rosea (Cuban Zephyrlily, Rosy Rain Lily, Rose Fairy Lily, Rose Zephyr Lily, Pink Rain Lily)
These plants are native to Peru and Colombia, and are widely cultivated as ornamentals around the world. They bloom after heavy rains, producing bright pink flowers with white centers. Individual plants reach up to 8 inches tall when in bloom. 

Zephyranthes tubispatha (Habranthus tubispathus) (Rio Grande Copperlily, Barbados Snowdrop)
This species is native to southern South America, and have naturalized in many areas in the southeastern United States. These flowers are commonly grown as garden ornamentals, and bloom sporadically during late summer and early fall. Flowers are typically yellow with coppery-reddish tones on their exterior. 

Caring for Zephyranthes

These flowers prefer to be planted in well-draining soil, placed 1-2 inches deep and 3 inches apart at any time of the year, though fall is usually best. Flowers will bloom according to rainfall (or provided water). After blooms fade, withhold water for a bit, and then resume again; this should trigger another bloom cycle to begin. Clumps can be left undisturbed for years; only divide when performance or bloom declines. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: List of Zephyranthes Species
Wikipedia: Zephyranthes
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 660, Zephyranthes
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