Zephyranthes drummondii (Evening Rain Lily)
Zephyranthes drummondii (Evening Rain Lily) is a bulbous perennial boasting sweet-scented, dainty white flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), in late spring to early fall. Opening in the evening, the flowers last 2-4 days before turning pink and withering. They often pop up a day or two after a rain. They sit atop short upright stems rising above narrow, grass-like, blue-green leaves.
Zephyranthes drummondii (Evening Rain Lily) is a bulbous perennial boasting sweet-scented, dainty white flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), in late spring to early fall. Opening in the evening, the flowers last 2-4 days before turning pink and withering. They often pop up a day or two after a rain. They sit atop short upright stems rising above narrow, grass-like, blue-green leaves. Brightening up the landscape, the beautiful white ephemeral flowers are a lovely addition to a short-grass meadow. They multiply slowly and come up faithfully year after year. The bulbs also naturalize well in a lawn (they tolerate mowing) or among dwarf annuals and perennials plants.
- Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 3-6 in. wide (7-15 cm). Will naturalize and spread by bulb offsets and seeds to create charming colonies.
- Thrives in full sun in well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade but best flowering occurs in full sun. Protect from winter wet.
- Spectacular when planted in great swathes along paths. 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.
- Plant bulbs 2 in. deep (5 cm).
- Propagate by seed, sown in fall. Transplant divisions almost anytime.
- Native to the southeastern and southwestern United States.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7 – 10 |
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Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Zephyranthes – Rain Lilies |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spacing | 3″ – 6″ (7cm – 15cm) |
Depth | 2" (5cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Kansas, Southeast, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |