Also known as Rain Lily · 534 saves
Zephyranthes
Zephyranthes, the genus most gardeners know as rain lily. We track 36 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Zephyranthes varieties
See all 36 Zephyranthes varieties →Search this genus →
2 species of Zephyranthes
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Zephyranthes in Sow
Save the Zephyranthes you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Zephyranthes
Whats common across all Zephyranthes varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 36 most-grown of them.
The Zephyranthes year
- PlantMarch and April100% of varieties
Plant bulbs 1 inch deep after danger of frost has passed
- DivideSeptember and October92% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-4 years
- FertilizeApril and June86% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer as foliage emerges
- Winter PrepOctober and November39% of varieties
Apply light layer of mulch for winter protection in colder parts of Zone 7
- DeadheadJuly–September31% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to maintain appearance
Do
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water during dry periods 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Overwater to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Plant in poorly drained soil ❌
What goes wrong with Zephyranthes
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Bulb fly | Weak, rotting bulbs | Use organic insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and stippling on leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Narcissus Bulb Fly | Bulbs rot and fail to sprout | Use organic nematodes or apply insecticidal soap |
| Bulb rot | Soft, rotting bulbs in wet soil | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Soft, decayed bulbs, wilting leaves | Improve drainage, remove infected bulbs, apply fungicide |
| Bulb Rot | Soft, rotted bulbs with foul smell | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
Making more Zephyranthes
Bulb division
- Dig up clumps in early spring.
- Gently separate bulbs with a sharp knife.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for roots to establish.
Seed sowing
- Collect seeds after flowering
- Sow in shallow trays with well-draining soil
- Mist regularly to keep moist
- Place in warm, bright location
- Germination occurs in 4-6 weeks
Zephyranthes questions
How many types of Zephyranthes are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 36 distinct Zephyranthes varieties. The most popular — ranked by 534 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Zephyranthes grow in?
Across its varieties, Zephyranthes 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 Zephyranthes bloom?
Most Zephyranthes varieties bloom in late spring, late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Zephyranthes 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.