Bulbmeister - Habranthus & Zephyranthes

Description Culture

About These Genera

Zephyranthes is comprised of over 20 species; Habranthus almost 10. Often confused with one another, these charming bulbs are among the most rewarding summer flowering plants for gardens in zones 7-10.

🔍 How to Tell Them Apart

Zephyranthes

Flowers are borne straight up on the flower stalk having stamens of equal lengths.

Habranthus

Flowers are borne at an angle and stamens are unequal in length.

🌧️ The Rain Lily Story

Often called the rain lily, zephyr lily, or fairy lily, these genera range from South America to the southeastern U.S. They send up a solitary flower that blooms within a few days of summer thunderstorms. Depending on the species, bloom periods may persist from 2 months in the summer to most of the frost-free growing season.

💡 Fascinating Fact: The flower persists for 2 days, but the bulb can flower several times during the warm months of the year!

Leaves vary from dark green and linear to several millimeter broad and strap-like or twisted. They may or may not be present during flowering. Flower color ranges from white to yellow to red.

🌺 Species & Hardiness Guide

Both genera vary in their hardiness, all being fairly tender to severe winter conditions. The general rule of thumb is a hardiness scale from USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7-10.

Habranthus Species

H. brachyandrus

Pink, Zone 8

H. concolor

Green-white or creamy-white

H. gracilifolius

Pink-white

H. juncifolius

Red-green

H. longipes

Pale red

H. robustus

Pink

H. tubispathus

Orange, yellow, or golden above, Zone 8

H. versicolor

Rose, Zone 8

Zephyranthes Species

Z. atamasca

White, Zone 8

Z. bifolia

Pink, Zone 10

Z. brazosensis

Green, Zone 9

Z. candida

White, Zone 9

Z. citrina

Bright yellow, Zone 10

Z. drummondii

White, tinged red the second day, Zone 7

Z. grandiflora

Bright pink, Zone 9

Z. longifolia

Yellow, coppery outside, Zone 8

Z. rosea

Rose, Zone 10

Z. smallii

Lemon yellow, Zone 9

Z. traubii

Interior white, outside w/ rose bands and green veins, Zone 7

Z. treatiae

White, Zone 8

Cultural Tips

🌱 Planting Depth & Spacing

Bulbs (plants) should be planted at a depth where the "neck" is just under the soil line. If you feel you live in an environment that might be borderline for plant hardiness, you can probably get away with placing the bulb at a depth that has the "neck" about 1" below the soil line.

When planting bulbs in groups, place them about 2" apart. If your bulb has living roots, dig the hole so the roots may be spread out.

☀️ Light & Soil Requirements

They prefer a well-drained soil and full sunlight. I wouldn't cheat on sunlight too much if I were you, but they are quite forgiving with soil quality.

Pro Tip: Just like spring bulbs, these benefit from a handful of bone meal per one or two bulbs in the planting hole.

💧 Watering & Bloom Cycles

Because most of them bloom in response to cycles of water deprivation and surplus, they are excellent for inducing bloom in potted culture, too. Water in thoroughly after planting.

💡 Container Growing: These make excellent potted plants precisely because you can control their water cycles to encourage blooming!

🏡 Landscape Uses

Perfect for:

Rock gardens and well-drained borders
Container gardens and patio displays
Naturalizing in areas with summer rainfall
Mixed bulb plantings for extended bloom

🔗 Related Resources

For more comprehensive bulb growing information, visit our complete Growing Guide with cultivation tips for dozens of flowering bulb genera.