Dancing in the Rain: A Rain Lily Growing Guide

¡Ay, caramba! The rain lily bursts onto the summer scene with the, you guessed it, rain. A rain lily isn't just a visual delight; she's a symbol of new beginnings. The sudden bloom after rainfall serves as a metaphor for hope and rejuvenation. In the garden, a rain lily is like a signal that brighter days are ahead, no matter the storm that just passed. Interestingly, these rain dancers are not all from the same family. You get the Zephyranthes (rain lily) and then there’s the Habranthus (rain lily). Both, equally beautiful, and reigning from the southern part of North America, and South America. What’s more, they make excellent garden plants in South Africa’s warm climate! Here’s Dancing in the Rain: A Rain Lily Growing Guide, to get you on your way to enjoying their blooms year after year.

Where does a rain lily grow best?

A rain lily will thrive in well-balanced soil with good drainage and some moisture retention. While they can be grown in pots, rain lilies truly shine when planted at the forefront of a mixed perennial border or nestled in a rockery. For a naturalistic effect, consider planting them in drifts beneath trees, where their delicate blooms can create a stunning carpet of colour.

Is a rain lily perennial or annual?

The rain lily (Zephyranthes and Habranthus) is perennial and will bloom each summer, provided they receive the right care. These small plants pack a punch offering both durability and reliability.

Do rain lilies like the sun?

Rain lilies grow well in full sun and semi-shade. Some afternoon shade comes with the added benefit of reducing their thirst, and prolonging their bloom time, so do keep that in mind when choosing the space they will reside.

The difference between Zephyranthes and Habranthus (rain lily)

 Zephyranthes (rain lily)

The name Zephyranthes comes from the Greek Zephyros (west wind) and anthos (flower), a nod to her graceful, breezy charm. Beyond offering exotic beauty, this funnel-shaped bloom is fragrant, releasing a captivating scent at night—perfect for a moonlit garden stroll!

To plant them, loosen the soil to about 20cm deep and enrich it with compost and well-rotted manure. These true bulbs grow up to 20cm tall and should be planted with their necks at ground level, spaced no more than 8cm apart for a stunning display.

Once established, they’re happy to stay in place for several years, until overcrowding from offsets calls for replanting. In pots, they’ll thrive for up to three years before needing a fresh start. Low maintenance and high reward—what’s not to love?

 Habranthus (rain lily)

Habranthus grows a bit taller than Zephyranthes, reaching about 25–30cm, and can be planted and cared for in much the same way. However, these two rain lily cousins have their quirks!

The flowers of Habranthus are asymmetrical and tend to tilt sideways, while Zephyranthes proudly point upwards. Habranthus also has narrower leaves and a more sporadic blooming habit, keeping you on your toes for their next floral surprise. Notably, Habranthus brachyandrus boasts a shorter stamen, adding to its unique charm.

Together, they make an intriguing pair—like family members with their own distinct personalities!

General rain lily care

Keep your rain lilies happy by watering them regularly through spring and summer. Mulching with compost helps retain moisture, keeping the bulbs’ roots perfectly hydrated. For pots, aim to water every 2–3 days, and for garden beds, every 3–4 days, as long as the rain hasn’t done the job for you.

After the final bloom, treat the bulbs to a meal of Hadeco Bulb Food (or something similar) every two weeks until dormancy begins. Once your rain lily has performed its final dance of the season, stop watering altogether. They can tolerate winter rain, but only if the soil has good drainage—nobody likes soggy feet!

Forget the saying, "When it rains, it pours." Plant a rain lily or ten instead and watch your garden bloom with the fullness of joy!

Happy gardening, and don’t get to dance in the rain!