pelting lily start to flower in late summer after a point of rain .
rainfall lily(Zephryanthes)is a genus of about 70 species in the amaryllis family . The plants are aboriginal to southern North America , Central America , and South America . Rain lily are cheerfulsummer - bloom bulbsthat got their common name for their propensity to burst into bloom at once keep an eye on menstruum of ample rainfall in the late summertime . The snowy pelting lily ( Zephryanthes candida ) is one of the most popular varieties . aboriginal to South America , it can be grow as a perennial above Zone 7 . In cooler climates , it isgrown as an annualand grasp each tumble to be overwintered indoors and replant in saltation . It is also suited for container grow .
The rain lily has grassy , strappy leafage and erect , funnel - shaped flower up to 4 inches across . The bloom only open from midday to the afternoon .
The flora is toxic to human beings and dearie .
Where to Plant Rain Lily
Select a location with full sun andwell - run out soilthat is slightly acidic to neutral .
works rain lily along walkways , inrock gardens , or in a heavy drift in a perennial garden where you require some late - summertime sake . Because of its small-scale size of it , it is substantially placed near the front of the perimeter or the edge of a path or garden where it is well-off to enjoy . Pair rainfall lily with other low - growingperennial groundcover . It will kill up through these works for perpendicular pastime in early natural spring .
Rain lily also turn well in containers . Potting withlantanaand lysimachia make for a striking semblance jazz band .
How and When to Plant Rain Lily
Plant the bulbs in the spring , 2 to 3 column inch bass . loose the soil at least 1 column inch mysterious than the planting astuteness to encourage inscrutable ascendant development .
The good ocular effect is achieved when they are planted in groups or clumps , spaced 2 to 4 inches apart .
Water well after planting and cover the soil with a 1 - inch level of all right mulch .
Care Tips
Rain lily is alow - upkeep plant , especially in a warm climate where you could leave it in the terra firma class - round .
Light
rainfall lily develop best in full sun . It does not flower well in shade .
Soil and Water
Native to juiceless realm , rainwater lily grows best in ordinary to dry out soil with apH between 6.8 and 7.2 . Only body of water plant life during extreme dry periods .
Temperature and Humidity
Rain lily is hardy in zona 7 through 10 , where it will come in back yr after twelvemonth . The plant is not frost - tolerant . It thrives in humid climate but may struggle in spicy arid climates .
Fertilizer
pelting lily that is grown in garden soil typically does not need fertilization but it benefit from a springtime app of compost . Container - originate plantsshould be fertilized about once a month with an all - purposesoluble plant food , diluted to half specialty , to make up for the nutrient flop because of frequent tearing .
Pruning
No pruning or clipping is need . After the blossom , the plants go sleeping , and it is important that the foliation dies back naturally .
Potting and Repotting
Because rainwater lilies search best in groups , choose a container of at least 12 inch in diam so it can accommodate at least a dozen bulbs , planted closely together . Rain lilies do well when check snugly . Fill it with a intermixture of well - draining pot grunge and compost .
Keep in nous that container plants need more frequent watering than plant in the garden dirt .
Removal
Since rain lilies are bulb , mowing them or rationalize off their tops will not give up their ontogenesis . You must absent their stems , poke up the bulbs with a shovel , then fling of them or put in them for replant elsewhere .
Pests and Problems
Except forsnails and slugs , this plant is spare of serious pests and disease .
How to Propagate
Rain lily is sluttish to propagate from the setoff that develop on ripe bulb . mildly remove the offsets and replant them in a new location or pot . Offset bulb are often small and should be planted slightly shallow than steady - size bulbs .
Types of Rain Lily
Pink Rain Lily
Zephyranthes carinatahas minute , jest at lightsome green give andattractive pink blossom . The flora grows 12 inches tall . It is native to Mexico , Colombia . and Central America . geographical zone 7 - 10
Yellow Rain Lily
Zephyranthes citrinais a golden yellow - flowering rainfall lily species . It iswell - adjust to red-hot weatherand efflorescence between August and October when other flowers are struggling in the heat . In warm climate , the strappy , minute foliage persists all class long . Zone 7 - 10
Zephyranthes drummondii ‘Fedora’
The flush of this unusual cultivar stand out in several style : They are orotund ( 3 column inch ) , fragrant , almost pure white , and nocturnal . The flowers model atop 8 - inch shuck . geographical zone 7 - 9
Rain Lily Companion Plants
Sedum
Sedumscome in countless colors , shapes , and sizes . Low - growing sedum assortment such as Angelina ( Zone 6 - 9 ) or gold moss stonecrop ( Sedum acre , Zone 4 - 9)make practiced companions for the rain lily . All sedums are well-off to arise and take very little maintenance .
Creeping Thyme
The soil - huggingcreeping thymeis adaptable to a range of light condition and soil types . For a change from the usual lavender - colored thyme , try white efflorescence crawl thyme ( Thymus serpyllum‘Albus ’ ) . Most variety of creep thyme grow perennially in Zone 4 - 9 .
Frequently Asked Questions
After the first tumble hoar , dig the bulbs . Discard any that are bruised or diseased . inhume them in a cardboard boxwood filled with slightly moist peat or vermiculite . Keep them at temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees F over the winter before replanting them in the spring .
The culprit might be want of sunlight or age . It often takes a time of year or two until the bulb start out flower .
Since they are perennials , these flowers only require to be planted once within their hardiness zone . They will inhabit for 3 - 5 years in your garden .
The sweet , insidious scent of rain lily draw in beautiful pollinators , from bee to butterflies . Although they might also draw in slugs or wanderer mites , they are mostly pest - gratis .
pelting lilies are not view invasive . However , they can quickly distribute on their own once they are establish in the garden .
update by Nadia Hassani
" Pink Rain Lily . “University of Wisconsin - Madison .
