Zephyranthes citrina (Rain Lily)

Zephyranthes citrina (Rain Lily) is a bulbous perennial boasting bright golden-yellow, crocus-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), in late summer and early fall.

Zephyranthes citrina (Rain Lily) is a bulbous perennial boasting bright golden-yellow, crocus-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), 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. 

  • Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 2-3 in. wide (5-7 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 10

Heat Zones 7
– 10

Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Zephyranthes – Rain Lilies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)Fall
Height 4"
– 6"
(10cm
– 15cm)
Spread 2"
– 3"
(5cm
– 7cm)
Spacing 3″
– 4″
(7cm
– 10cm)
Depth 3"
(7cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden