Zephyranthes atamasca (Atamasco Lily)

Zephyranthes atamasca (Atamasco Lily) is a bulbous perennial boasting large, upward-facing, lily-like white flowers (rarely pink) with bright yellow stamens and 6 distinct lobes that unite at the base to form a funnel. Blooming in early spring to early summer, the showy blossoms are borne singly atop leafless stalks rising above a tuft of narrow, grass-like, bright green leaves. Atamasco Lily, also called Rain Lily, typically blooms after a rain shower. Providing a stunning display in the garden, Atamasco Lily makes an excellent accent where it can be admired. It is lovely in mass plantings, and also works well in lawns as it can be mowed. After flowering, Atamasco lily quickly goes dormant, so be sure to interplant companion plants.

• Grows up to 6-18 in. tall (15-45 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). Will naturalize and spread to create charming colonies.
• Thrives in full sun to partial shade in humus-rich, neutral to slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates seasonal flooding. Will bloom best with 1 to 2 hours of direct sun or 3 or more hours of dappled light.
• Spectacular when planted in great swathes along paths or sidewalks. A good candidate for coastal gardens, cottage gardens, prairies, and meadows or along ponds and streams.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Atamasco Lilies are only hardy to zones 7-10. Therefore, in cooler areas, their bulbs will have to be dug up before the first frost and stored indoors over the winter in a cool, dry place before being replanted in spring. If grown in pots or containers, they should also be overwintered in a cool, frost-free location with just enough moisture to keep the soil from totally drying out.
• Propagate by seed or division of mature clumps.
• All parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten.
• Native to the southeastern United States.