Species rain lily
white flowers with yellow filaments and green stems

rain lily

Zephyranthes simpsonii

Rain lily (Zephyranthes simpsonii) loves moisture and is well-suited to the damp climate of the south and east. Its fragrant white flowers, up to 3 inches long, can bloom with little warning following a rainfall. It’s a dormant perennial in drier months but will fill up any open spaces in a garden with its foliage and flowers when it is moist, establishing a great display of beauty. Its blooms usually last 7 to 10 days and the plant requires little care, making it well-suited to any gardener.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Bulb Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 10

Flowers:

White to pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Rain lilies (Zephyranthes simpsonii) should be watered approximately once or twice per month. These plants tend to do best in well-draining soil, so only water when the top inch of soil is dry. During periods of especially hot or dry weather, it may be necessary to water the rain lilies once a week. A good rule of thumb is to water when the leaves begin to droop and look slightly wilted. This indicates that the plant is ready to be watered. Avoid overwatering as this can cause the rhizomes to rot. The rain lilies should be allowed to dry out between watering.

sunlight

Rain lilies (Zephyranthes simpsonii) thrive in full sunlight areas, though they may tolerate light shade for a short period. They require at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for proper growth and blooming. During the hottest summer days, the plant may need some protection from the intense sun by providing partial shade for several hours. It is best to place the Zephyranthes simpsonii near a south-facing wall or window, which will get full sunlight for most of the day. During the winter season, it may require less sunlight, so it should be moved to a shadier spot to prevent it from getting scorched in the cold weather.

pruning

Rain lilies should be pruned in late spring or early summer (May or June). To prune, simply find the leaves (or pseudobulbs) that are old and yellowing, and then snip them off at the base. Be sure to use sharp clippers or scissors so you don't damage the other parts of the plant and make sure no green or healthy parts of the plant are inadvertently trimmed. Pruning of the rain lily should be minimal and only done when necessary; and no more than 1/3 of the plant should be removed in any given year.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Rain lilies typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Rain lilies typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map