Rain Lily is a bulbous perennial in the Amaryllis family that is native to southern North America south to Central and South America. There are over 70 species along with numerous hybrids and cultivars. In the wild, plants often burst into bloom immediately following periods of significant rain, hence the common name. These bulbs prefer well-drained soils in sun to part shade and bloom in spring, summer or fall depending on the species. Many bloom from summer to fall. The flowers come in white, yellow, and shades of pink. Most have grass-like foliage but some species have wider leaves. They are listed as hardy in zones 7-10 but some may tolerate colder temperatures. Use in rock gardens, borders, walkways or small spaces. They can also be used in containers and brought indoors if desired. Additional Zephyranthes Images at Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand; Shallow Rocky
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Coastal; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in. | Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Many have clumps of narrow grass-like green leaves but some have wider leaves.
Flower color
Cream/Tan; Gold/Yellow; Pink; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Funnel
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Flowers are usually 6 petaled and crocus-like or open flat. Some are nocturnal blooming. Some species are fragrant. Flowers range in size from 1-3 inches. Most of the ones in cultivation do not require the rain/drought scenario found in nature to bloom. They also bloom at different times of the year depending on the species.