Guide to growing Zephyr Lily - Zephyranthes
Zephyranthes are hardy bulbs that range from 5cm to 30cm in height; this makes them great fro using in rock gardens.
Zephyranthes have grass like foliage and the bloom from spring to autumn (species dependent).
When in bloom Zephyranthes carry pink, red, white or yellow funnel shaped flowers.
Some of the commonly grown garden varieties of Zephyranthes include Zephyr lily, Atamasco lily, Rain lily and Flowers of the Western wind.
How to grow Zephyr lily
It is best to grow Zephyr lily and other Zephyranthes species from bulbs as they will not flower for about three or four years if grown from seed. The Zephyranthes bulbs should be planted at a depth of 8cm and 10 to 15cm apart following the last frost of spring. If sowing Zephyr lily seeds then do so in either spring or autumn and lightly cover the seed once sown. Zephyr lilies are able to grow in partially shaded or sunny parts of the garden that have good drainage. Ideally the soil should be moist, rich and have a pH of 6 to 7.
If you want to start off indoors then it should take Zephyr lilies about 15 weeks to germinate at a temperature of 15 to 20 degrees. Once established transplant Zephyranthes species into the garden in either autumn or spring.
Caring for Zephyr lilies
It is quite easy to look after Zephyranthes species such as rain and Zephyr lilies; They like a moist soil so water regularly in dry periods; give them a feed in the spring, and supply a mulch in the autumn to help protect the bulbs from harsh winters. If you require more plants then propagate Zephyr lily by planting the offsets that they produce.