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Fairy lilies (Zephyranthes)
Also known as : Rainflowers, Zephyr lilies
The tropics-loving fairy lilies grow from hardy bulbs that have naturalized in many parts of the Western Hemisphere. One odd trait Rain lilies share is that their star-shaped flowers come into bloom after it rains, hence the common name. With their array of flower colors, sweet fragrance, and synchronous blooming, these plants have become a popular option among gardeners and breeders. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Fairy lilies
Feedback
Attributes of Fairy lilies
Plant Height
15 cm to 30 cm
Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 8 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
15 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Fairy lilies
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Monocotyledons
Order
Asparagus and allies
Family
Amaryllis
Genus
Fairy lilies
Distribution of Fairy lilies
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Distribution Map of Fairy lilies
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Fairy lilies
Feedback
Fairy lilies prefer bright, indirect light and require well-draining soil with moderate moisture. They thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity. Standard potting mixes amended with sand or perlite are suitable. Fairy lilies face common challenges such as rot due to overwatering and are susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites. Seasonal care involves reducing watering in winter and increasing during the growing season while ensuring protection from frost.
Exploring the Fairy lilies Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Pink rain lily
Pink rain lily (Zephyranthes carinata) is a perennial evergreen plant that can grow to be approximately 30 cm tall and 15 cm wide. It blooms from late spring to summer with white, pink or orange crocus-like flowers. It grows from a bulb and should be planted where it will get afternoon shade.
Rain lily
The Zephyranthes candida is a rain lily that can be found in South America as well as in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and North America where it has been naturalized. Its stunning white flowers bud late in August. They're called rain lily because they often flower after heavy rains.
Rain lily
Rain lily (Zephyranthes drummondii) is a deciduous perennial that will grow from 15 to 46 cm tall. It produces dainty white flowers that open in the evening. Blossoms last from two to four days. It is an excellent choice for a night garden. Flowers are fragrant and attract bees and butterflies.
Atamasco-lily
Zephyranthes atamasco (atamasco-lily) was one of the first wildflowers to catch the Jamestown colonists' eyes when they first landed in America. The genus name comes from two Greek words—"Zephyrus", which means West Wind, and "anthos", which means flower. The species name is a Native American word meaning "under grass."
Pink rain lily
The pink rain lily (Zephyranthes rosea) is a delightful bulb addition to perennial gardens anywhere, although they are native to the tropics. Unlike other flowers of your landscape, the pink rain lily will only put on a floral show after a period of heavy rain. Of course, this can be mimicked with a heavy watering or proper irrigation system.
Foster's zephyrlily
Sometimes known as ‘Rain Lily’ because it appears in poor quality soil after rain, foster's zephyrlily is a petite perennial noted for the pointed star-like petals of its blooms. Foster's zephyrlily is endemic to Central America.
Citron zephyr lily
Citron zephyr lily often blooms after rain, giving rise to its other common name, Rain Lily. It is noted for its fragrant summer blooms and chive-like foliage. Gardeners like that it has few pests and diseases, often using it at the front of borders and in rock gardens. Its seeds are papery and make cultivation easy.
Rose pink zephyr lily
Zephyranthes minuta is a bulb-forming perennial with shiny green leaves up to 7 mm wide. Flowers in wild specimens are usually pink, funnel-shaped, up to 9 cm long. Cultivated specimens are frequently larger, often with extra tepals.
All Species of Fairy lilies
Pink rain lily
Pink rain lily
Pink rain lily (Zephyranthes carinata) is a perennial evergreen plant that can grow to be approximately 30 cm tall and 15 cm wide. It blooms from late spring to summer with white, pink or orange crocus-like flowers. It grows from a bulb and should be planted where it will get afternoon shade.
Rain lily
Rain lily
The Zephyranthes candida is a rain lily that can be found in South America as well as in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and North America where it has been naturalized. Its stunning white flowers bud late in August. They're called rain lily because they often flower after heavy rains.
Rain lily
Rain lily
Rain lily (Zephyranthes drummondii) is a deciduous perennial that will grow from 15 to 46 cm tall. It produces dainty white flowers that open in the evening. Blossoms last from two to four days. It is an excellent choice for a night garden. Flowers are fragrant and attract bees and butterflies.
Atamasco-lily
Atamasco-lily
Zephyranthes atamasco (atamasco-lily) was one of the first wildflowers to catch the Jamestown colonists' eyes when they first landed in America. The genus name comes from two Greek words—"Zephyrus", which means West Wind, and "anthos", which means flower. The species name is a Native American word meaning "under grass."
Pink rain lily
Pink rain lily
The pink rain lily (Zephyranthes rosea) is a delightful bulb addition to perennial gardens anywhere, although they are native to the tropics. Unlike other flowers of your landscape, the pink rain lily will only put on a floral show after a period of heavy rain. Of course, this can be mimicked with a heavy watering or proper irrigation system.
Foster's zephyrlily
Foster's zephyrlily
Sometimes known as ‘Rain Lily’ because it appears in poor quality soil after rain, foster's zephyrlily is a petite perennial noted for the pointed star-like petals of its blooms. Foster's zephyrlily is endemic to Central America.
Citron zephyr lily
Citron zephyr lily
Citron zephyr lily often blooms after rain, giving rise to its other common name, Rain Lily. It is noted for its fragrant summer blooms and chive-like foliage. Gardeners like that it has few pests and diseases, often using it at the front of borders and in rock gardens. Its seeds are papery and make cultivation easy.
Rose pink zephyr lily
Rose pink zephyr lily
Zephyranthes minuta is a bulb-forming perennial with shiny green leaves up to 7 mm wide. Flowers in wild specimens are usually pink, funnel-shaped, up to 9 cm long. Cultivated specimens are frequently larger, often with extra tepals.
Showy zephyrlily
Showy zephyrlily
Showy zephyrlily is a charming bulbous perennial, often spotted gracing moist meadows or woodland edges. Its slender green leaves set the stage for a stunning display of funnel-shaped flowers, usually a blend of soft pink and yellow hues. These flowers, with their upward-facing petals, seem to capture the ephemeral beauty of a gentle spring breeze. The plant's petite size and delicate appearance, coupled with its propensity to bloom after rain, make showy zephyrlily a delightful emblem of resilience and renewal in a natural setting.
Evening rainlily
Evening rainlily
Evening rainlily is a charming bulbous perennial known for its glossy green, strap-shaped leaves that frame solitary, funnel-shaped flowers. These blooms appear in a delicate symphony of white to pink hues, usually after rain, earning it the moniker 'rain lily.' Thriving in warm, moist environments, evening rainlily adds a splash of ephemeral beauty to gardens and natural settings, signaling the end of dry spells with its floral display.
Zephyranthes concolor
Zephyranthes concolor
Zephyranthes concolor typically flourishes in warm, moist environments, showcasing upright, slender green leaves. It is distinguished by its charming single, trumpet-shaped blossoms, which radiate a vivid yellow hue. These flowers, ephemeral yet striking, often appear after rainfall, symbolizing the plant's adaptation to capitalize on transient water availability.
Red-margin zephyr lily
Red-margin zephyr lily
Red-margin zephyr lily is a charming perennial with narrow, grass-like leaves that emerge from bulbs. Its delicate white flowers, resembling small lilies, often bloom after rain in its native warm environments. The blossoms' ephemeral beauty, typically lasting just a few days, signifies red-margin zephyr lily's adaptation to brief moisture periods in its habitat.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Fairy lilies
Zephyranthes
Also known as: Rainflowers, Zephyr lilies
The tropics-loving fairy lilies grow from hardy bulbs that have naturalized in many parts of the Western Hemisphere. One odd trait Rain lilies share is that their star-shaped flowers come into bloom after it rains, hence the common name. With their array of flower colors, sweet fragrance, and synchronous blooming, these plants have become a popular option among gardeners and breeders.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
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Key Facts About Fairy lilies
Feedback
Attributes of Fairy lilies
Plant Height
15 cm to 30 cm
Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 8 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
15 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Fairy lilies
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Monocotyledons Order
Asparagus and allies Family
Amaryllis Genus
Fairy lilies Distribution of Fairy lilies
Feedback
Distribution Map of Fairy lilies
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Fairy lilies
Feedback
Fairy lilies prefer bright, indirect light and require well-draining soil with moderate moisture. They thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity. Standard potting mixes amended with sand or perlite are suitable. Fairy lilies face common challenges such as rot due to overwatering and are susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites. Seasonal care involves reducing watering in winter and increasing during the growing season while ensuring protection from frost.
Exploring the Fairy lilies Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Pink rain lily
Pink rain lily (Zephyranthes carinata) is a perennial evergreen plant that can grow to be approximately 30 cm tall and 15 cm wide. It blooms from late spring to summer with white, pink or orange crocus-like flowers. It grows from a bulb and should be planted where it will get afternoon shade.
Rain lily
The Zephyranthes candida is a rain lily that can be found in South America as well as in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and North America where it has been naturalized. Its stunning white flowers bud late in August. They're called rain lily because they often flower after heavy rains.
Rain lily
Rain lily (Zephyranthes drummondii) is a deciduous perennial that will grow from 15 to 46 cm tall. It produces dainty white flowers that open in the evening. Blossoms last from two to four days. It is an excellent choice for a night garden. Flowers are fragrant and attract bees and butterflies.
Atamasco-lily
Zephyranthes atamasco (atamasco-lily) was one of the first wildflowers to catch the Jamestown colonists' eyes when they first landed in America. The genus name comes from two Greek words—"Zephyrus", which means West Wind, and "anthos", which means flower. The species name is a Native American word meaning "under grass."
Show More Species
All Species of Fairy lilies
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
