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rainlily
Scientific Name: Cooperia
Family: Liliaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Rain Lilies (Zephyranthes and Habranthus)
Rain lilies, known for their delightful blooms that often appear shortly after rainfall, are a charming addition to many gardens. This article explores the characteristics, cultivation, and fascinating facts about these captivating plants.
Common Names
- Rain lily
- Fairy lily
- Rainflower
- Zephyr lily
- Magic lily
- Atamasco lily
- Hill Country rain lily
- Prairie lily
- Flor de mayo
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Zephyranthes and Habranthus
- Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family)
- Synonyms:
- Cooperia reginae (synonym for Zephyranthes reginae)
- Zephyranthes drummondii (synonym for Cooperia pedunculata)
- Habranthus robustus (synonym for Rain Lily Plant)
- USDA Symbol: COPE (for Cooperia pedunculata/Zephyranthes drummondii)
- Scientific Name: Zephyranthes simpsonii Chapman (Simpson's Rain Lily)
Distribution and Habitat
Rain lilies are native to the New World, with some species originating in Mexico and the southeastern United States. Some species, such as Zephyranthes fulva (yellow rain lily), are native to Hawaii. Zephyranthes texana is native to the prairies of Texas. They are also found in Austin, Texas.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Rainlilies grow from underground bulbs, which are black in color.
- The bulbs of Rainlily grows up to 1.5 inches tall, conical when young and becoming flattened to round.
- They are bulbous herbs with basal linear leaves.
- The linear leaves are .5 inches wide.
- They naturalize to form colorful colonies.
- Flowers are often mistaken for the crocus, as they are similar in size and shape.
- Each stem has a solitary, star-shaped bloom at the top.
Color Variations
- Pastel colors, including yellow, pink, and white.
- Showy yellow or copper-colored purple-striped flowers.
- Rose-pink flowers with yellow stamens
- Soft pink, upfacing flowers with yellow stamens and a small white.
Growing Information
- Rain lilies are relatively easy to grow when provided with the right conditions.
- Planting containers should be at least 5 inches tall to accommodate root growth.
- Pink Rain Lily Bulbs are cold hardy in zones 8-10, plant as an annual in zones 3-7.
Quirky Facts
- The name "rain lilies" comes from their tendency to send up flushes of flowers within a few days after a soaking rain.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden (a community sharing gardening tips and ideas)
- Pacific Bulb Society