1 named cultivar
Same species
1 named cultivar
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
6 inches
Width
4 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Bulbs are toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Zephyranthes drummondii, commonly known as Drummond's rain lily, is a bulbous perennial with slender, grass-like foliage and delicate, funnel-shaped white flowers that bloom after rain showers. This species is appreciated for its reliable, seasonal flowering and its ability to naturalize in lawns and garden beds, creating a charming, ephemeral floral display.
Uses & Benefits:
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bulbs 2 inches deep in well-draining soil
- Water regularly during active growth
- Place in full sun for best flowering
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
- Lift and store bulbs in colder zones if necessary
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering in winter.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry summer months 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide every few years to maintain vigor
Don't
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Plant in poorly drained soil ❌
- Neglect to divide clumps
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Rain Lily questions
What zones can Rain Lily grow in?
Rain Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Rain Lily deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Rain Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Rain Lily bloom?
Rain Lily typically blooms in spring to fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Rain Lily need full sun?
Rain Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Rain Lily drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Rain Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Zephyranthes to compare
Grandjax Rain Lily
Zephyranthes grandiflora 'Grandjax'
Zephyranthes Sunset
Zephyranthes x hybrida 'Sunset'
Lydia Luckman Zephyranthes
Zephyranthes x hybrida 'Lydia Luckman'
Rain Lily South Pacific
Zephyranthes x hybrida 'South Pacific'
Yellow Rain Lily
Zephyranthes primulina
Autumn Zephyrlily
Zephyranthes candida
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Rain Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.