Also known as Rain Lily · 63 saves
Habranthus
Habranthus, the genus most gardeners know as rain lily. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Habranthus varieties
Browse all 6 Habranthus varieties →
2 species of Habranthus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Habranthus in Sow
Save the Habranthus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Habranthus
Whats common across all Habranthus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Habranthus year
- PlantMarch and April100% of varieties
Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep in spring after danger of hard frost
- FertilizeMarch100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer as foliage emerges
- DivideSeptember50% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years after flowering
- Lift & StoreSeptember and October50% of varieties
Lift bulbs after foliage dies back; store in a dry, cool, frost-free place.
- DeadheadJuly–September33% of varieties
Remove spent trumpet blooms to maintain a neat appearance
Do
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water regularly during the growing season 🌱
- Plant in full sun for vibrant blooms
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water regularly during active growing season 🌱
Avoid
- Overwater to prevent rot ❌
- Overwater to avoid bulb rot ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soil without amendment ❌
- Plant too deep or too shallow
What goes wrong with Habranthus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Bulb Fly | Larvae damage bulbs, causing rot. | Use organic neem oil or apply beneficial nematodes. |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed corms | Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering |
| Narcissus Bulb Fly | Larvae burrow into bulbs causing rot | Use organic insecticidal soap or apply beneficial nematodes |
| Fungal rot | Dark spots on corms | Apply fungicide and improve soil drainage |
| Bulb Rot | Soft, decayed bulbs with foul odor. | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Habranthus
bulb division
- Dig up mature bulbs in early spring.
- Separate offsets carefully with clean tools.
- Replant divisions at same depth as original bulbs.
- Water well after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for new growth.
Bulb division
- Carefully dig up bulbs after dormancy
- Separate offsets
- Plant immediately in well-drained soil
Habranthus questions
How many types of Habranthus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Habranthus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 63 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Habranthus grow in?
Across its varieties, Habranthus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Habranthus bloom?
Most Habranthus varieties bloom in summer to fall, late summer, late spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Habranthus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.