Zephyranthes minuta
rain lily
A bulbous perennial to 30cm in height, with glossy linear leaves and funnel-shaped bright pink flowers to 7cm in length, in late summer and early autumn
Other common names
keeled zephyr flower
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Zephyranthes can be deciduous or evergreen bulbous perennials, with linear leaves and funnel-shaped or crocus-like flowers in spring, summer or autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass plant 10cm deep in peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand. Keep just moist in winter. Can be grown outdoors in frost-free areas, in moist but well drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown with bottom heat (13-18°C) when ripe or separate offsets in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.