Zephyrantes rosea

Zephyranthes rosea, also known as Rain Lily or Pink Zephyr Lily, is a relatively hardy perennial bulbous plant that forms small clumps of deciduous foliage, resembling thick grass. Its foliage becomes covered from late summer until the first frost, after each rainy period, with ephemeral, star-shaped, fragrant flowers that resemble small pink crocuses or Colchicums with a white throat. This lovely flower thrives in sunny, cool, and humus-bearing soil, making it suitable for rockeries, borders, and pot cultivation.

The Pink Zephyr Lily belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. Originally from Peru and Colombia, this bulbous plant has naturalized in mild climates from Florida to Guatemala. It grows up to 30cm (12in) in height and slowly spreads through vegetative multiplication, thanks to the formation of numerous bulblets. Its fragrant flowering occurs multiple times until the first frost, after periods of rain. However, it is in late summer that this beautiful plant offers a magnificent spectacle, with its pink corollas covering its foliage with star-shaped flowers. These flowers measure approximately 3cm (1in) in diameter, are solitary, and are borne at the end of 25cm (10in) tall spikes, elegantly resembling small pink Asian lilies. The flower's centre is adorned with yellow stamens on a white spot. The deciduous foliage consists of herbaceous, narrow but thick, gramineous leaves, measuring 30cm (12in) in length, and shining dark green.

Relatively hardy, it is perfectly possible to cultivate Zephyranthes rosea in open ground, provided it is protected during winter in most regions. Its resplendent flowering often occurs when the clumps are well established. You can plant it in rockeries or large borders if the soil remains sufficiently cool to moist in summer. It also adapts well to pot cultivation in a cold greenhouse. It is advisable to cultivate Zephyranthes rosea in pots in regions with harsh winters, so that it can be sheltered from the strongest frosts and admired up close.