Sep
If you are considering flowers to add to your ornamental beds, might I suggest adding rain lilies? These graceful, grassy bulbs with a bonus delicate bloom create the perfect accent or border for any ornamental bed.
Rain lilies are petite, so while they won’t become the focal point of the garden until they bloom with the rains, they provide supporting structure for a beautiful garden composition.
They are some of the most forgiving flowers and can be revived with the tiniest amount of water. They tolerate heat and drought and can be in full sun or partial shade and require little care until they need to be divided after a few seasons of growth.
There is no need to dig up this bulb and store it, as it continues as an evergreen grass in the months it isn’t flowering. They can be planted in clumps or as a border for a dramatic effect. Their scientific name is Zephyranthes and they are a member of the Amaryllis family and grow best in zones 8-10. These stunning flowers come in a variety of colors- white, yellow, pink and purple.
Here’s how to grow rain lilies:
1. Choose ideal locations
Choose a location that drains well. Rain lilies bloom in response to late season rains, but don’t like to sit in water.
2. Give them full sun
Situate them where they can receive full sun. They will grow in partial shade, but they will thrive in full sun.
3. Provide proper spacing
Plant 1-2” deep and 6 inches apart for a border. For a clump of lilies, still plant 1-2” deep, but 2-3” inches apart and water them in well, allowing soil to settle in around bulbs.
4. Leave for next season
After blooming has finished, leave the foliage so the bulb can gather food for the upcoming growing season. As the foliage begins to yellow, cut it back and add to your compost bin. Your plant will rest for a season and then recreate beautiful blooms as the weather warms.
Rain lilies perform beautifully in containers and in pots on patios. However, due to their ability to adapt to drought conditions, they don’t need a lot of water. This is an important thing to consider when you are planting containers with multiple flowers and ornamental elements. It will be best to plant it with like-minded plants and not with ones that require a lot of water.
I hope you consider adding these delicate flowers to your garden beds. They will provide just the right touch and bring you so much joy!
