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

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