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.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Zephyranthes candida, with common names that include autumn zephyrlily, white windflower, white rain lily, and Peruvian swamp lily, is a species of rain lily native to South America including Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. The species is widely cultivated as an ornamental and reportedly naturalized in many places (South Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, central and southern China, Korea, Nansei-shoto (Ryukyu Islands), Bhutan, Solomon Islands, Queensland, Nauru, Tonga, Society Islands, Mariana Islands, southeastern United States (from Texas to North Carolina), the Lesser Antilles, and Peru).
Leaves are a deep glossy green and measure 3 mm wide. Flowers, which bud late in August (when propagated in the Northern Hemisphere) at first resemble a new leaf, but emerge from their papery sheaves to a stunning whiteness; they are erect in perianth white and sometimes pinkish abaxially. The leaf-like bract is 1.8 to 4 cm. They grow best in full sun to part shade and require a medium wet soil. Propagation is done by dividing bulbs or offsets and from seed.
Zephyranthes candida was first described by John Lindley in 1823 as Amaryllis candida. It was transferred to its current genus in 1826 by William Herbert. Other common names of Zephyranthes candida include August rain lily, white zephyr lily, white fairy lily, white rain lily, and autumn zephyr lily.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Choose an area in full sun to plant rain lilies. Some dappled shade or afternoon shade is usually tolerated, especially in hot climates.
Temperature and Humidity
Rain lilies are best suited for warm, humid environments. Gardeners in colder growing zones can still enjoy these plants in containers, where they perform reliably as border fillers.
Watering
While rain lilies can survive periods of drought, you won’t see their flowers until a summer soaking triggers the blooms to appear. You can choose to wait out the drought, or irrigate the flowers thoroughly to prompt flowering.
Soil
Rain lilies thrive in average to rich garden soil. The bulbs exhibit tolerance to a wide range of drainage situations, so try your luck with rain lilies in both boggy and sandy conditions.
Fertilizing
Rain lily that is grown in garden soil typically does not require fertilization but it benefits from a springtime application of compost. Container-grown plants should be fertilized about once a month with an all-purpose soluble fertilizer, diluted to half strength, to make up for the nutrient washout caused by frequent watering.
Planting Instructions
Plant the bulbs in the spring, 2 to 3 inches deep. Loosen the soil at least 1 inch deeper than the planting depth to encourage deep root development.
The best visual effect is achieved when they are planted in groups or clumps, spaced 2 to 4 inches apart.
Water well after planting and cover the soil with a 1-inch layer of fine mulch.
Pruning
No pruning or trimming is needed. After the bloom, the plants go dormant, and it is important that the foliage dies back naturally.
Propagation
Rain lily is easy to propagate from the offsets that grow on mature bulbs. Gently remove the offsets and replant them in a new location or pot. Offset bulbs are often small and should be planted slightly shallower than regular-size bulbs.
Potting and Repotting
Because rain lilies look best in groups, choose a container of at least 12 inches in diameter so it can accommodate at least a dozen bulbs, planted closely together. Rain lilies do well when fitting snugly. Fill it with a mixture of well-draining potting soil and compost.
Keep in mind that container plants need more frequent watering than plants in the garden soil.
Overwintering
In areas where rain lilies are hardy, you can leave them in the ground all year. North of USDA growing zone 7, you must dig the bulbs in the fall and store them in a frost-free area over the winter.
Pests and Diseases
Except for snails and slugs, this plant is free of serious pests and diseases.
III. Uses and Benefits
The Zephyranthes candida plant is a great addition to your garden if you are looking for fresh flowers. It acts as great ornamentation, and the flowers will bring you joy even on a bad day. However, the plant is not just beneficial for ornamentation.
Zephyranthes candida actually has some amazing health benefits that people rarely know about. They have been used by people all around the world as a natural fix for various diseases and illnesses. Here are some of the top medical benefits of Zephyranthes candida that you should know:
Relieves insomnia
Insomnia is a serious problem since it takes away the body’s need to rest. Rain Lily is often used by people suffering from insomnia to induce sleep. The leaves of the plant are boiled in water, and the final mix is ingested orally to deal with insomnia.
Cure for migraines
Migraines and headaches can be easily cured by the use of Zephyranthes candida. A concoction of water that has been boiled with Zephyranthes candida leaves can help relieve headaches when consumed immediately.
Combats epilepsy
In ancient medicine, the plant has been used to invent the cure for epilepsy. It is still widely used by Ayurveda and by African tribes to help deal with symptoms of epilepsy.
Improves liver health in hepatitis A patients
Zephyr lily is said to improve liver function and help people who have liver issues. People with Hepatitis A especially will find the plant beneficial for their health.
IV. Types of Rain Lilies
Unnamed white and pink rain lilies are the most common and easiest to find but do a little digging to find these named cultivars that will bring a range of colors to your flower garden.
- ‘Abacos Apricot’: Also known as August grass, this native of the Bahamas features coral blooms with a yellow center.
- ‘Bangkok Peach’: From July until early fall, enjoy the most delicate pale peach-hued blooms.
- ‘Beni Tama’: Flowering begins in June, with pink blooms and prominent yellow stamens.
- ‘Big Dude’: Broad white petals have a hint of lavender frost, making them glow in the night garden.
- ‘Rose Perfection’: A rare selection sporting perfectly pink flowers with a central white stripe on each petal.
- ‘Star of Bethlehem’: Vivid orange flowers with some yellow streaking
- ‘Fedora’: Large white flowers begin early, in May, and continue throughout the summer.
- ‘Lily Pies’: If you must choose just one, let it be this striking pink and white bicolor.
- ‘Midas Touch’: As the name implies, bright gold blooms on 10-inch stems.
Find Where to Buy the Best Rain Lily (Zephyranthes candida)
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