Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

Zephyranthes candida

Image of Zephyranthes candida

Felder Rushing

Family

Liliaceae

Botanical Name

Zephyranthes candida

Plant Common Name

Autumn Zephyrlily, Rain Lily

General Description

The cheerful flowers of white rain lily sparkle like stars amid its graceful tufts of grasslike, deep green foliage. Tough, easy to grow and quick to multiply, this perennial is native to the region surrounding the Rio de la Plata estuary of Uruguay and Argentina. Its slender, hollow, upright to arching leaves rise from dense clumps of small bulbs. Evergreen in warmer climates, the foliage disappears only in cold winter weather or during pronounced droughts. Once the soil warms in spring, many single, white, six-petaled flowers with yellow anthers emerge on thin stems, appearing continually throughout the summer as long as soil moisture remains consistent. Flowering may stop during periods of dry weather, but will rapidly and profusely recommence following the relief of a drenching rainfall.

Plant these bulbs at four times their depth in full to part sun and well-drained soil. Ample, consistent moisture ensures continual flowering, however these versatile plants are also tolerant of dry spells, blooming abundantly with the return of rainfall. Soil should be kept barely moist in winter, and bone dry or soggy conditions should be avoided. Where not hardy, the bulbs may be lifted and stored frost-free in pots or a cool, dry medium such as peat moss. In spring, cut back any withered foliage and divide plants if needed.

In the garden, white rain lilies look magnificent planted in small drifts among rocks or in the gaps between low evergreen groundcovers. They also work well combined with the dark foliage of moisture-loving perennials such as cardinal flower ‘Fan Scarlet’ or bugbane ‘Hillside Black Beauty’. Exceptional in containers, their fine texture contrasts beautifully with the bold foliage of tropical plants such as cannas or elephant ears.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Bulb or Corm or Tuber

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    9"-15" / 22.9cm - 38.1cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    South America

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical, Water Gardens

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes