Family: Amaryllidaceae
Common Name: Rain Flower, Wind Flower, Zephyr Flower

This genus contains about 70 species of bulbs from North and South America. They are grown for their somewhat crocus-like flowers, produced any time from spring to autumn, and often appearing with the grassy foliage. They are good for a rock garden. Where frosts occur, the tender species are generally grown in a cool greenhouse.

Species

A. atamasco, Atamasco lily, zone 8, grows to around 30 cm (12 in) high. The pretty, white flowers, flushed with pink, appear in spring.

Z. candida, zone 8, is a vigorous species, growing to about 18 cm (7 in). The pure white, cup-shaped flowers, sometimes flushed with pink, look very attractive amongst the grass-like foliage in autumn.

Z. citrina, zone 10, to about 15 cm (6 in), produces golden yellow flowers in autumn.

Z. grandiflora, zone 9, grows to around 30 cm (12 in), with lovely rose pink, late summer and early autumn flowers.

Z. rosea, zone 10, grows to only 18 cm (7 in), with rose pink flowers in autumn. These latter species are very similar. Other species are available, some with smaller flowers.

Cultivation

Plant 10 cm (4 in) deep in pots of sandy, soil-based potting compost. Provide maximum light. During the dormant period, once the leaves have died down, keep only barely moist, but water regularly at other times. In the garden, grow in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Propagate from ripe seed germi­nated at 18°C (64°F), or from offsets, when dor­mant.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.