Zephyranthes candida (Rain Lily)

A terrific plant, Zephyranthes candida (Rain Lily) is a bulbous perennial boasting silvery white, crocus-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with rich orange stamens in late summer and early fall. Blooming in succession, they sit atop upright stems rising above a tuft of narrow, grass-like, bright green leaves. Brightening up the garden for weeks, this beauty looks pretty in rock gardens, at the front of borders or in containers. Evergreen in mild winter areas.

• Grows up to 6-12 in. tall and wide (15-30 cm). Will naturalize and spread to create charming colonies
• Thrives in full sun in moderately fertile, moist and well-drained soils. Protect from winter wet.
• Spectacular when planted in great swathes along paths or sidewalks. Good candidate for border fronts, rock gardens and containers.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Rain 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, sown with moderate heat as soon as ripe. Separate offsets in spring.
• Native to northeastern Argentina, southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay.