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Genus Habranthus (Rain lily)

Habranthus Habranthus robustus Photo/Illustration: Brent Heath
Common Name: Rain lily
Plants in the genus Habranthus are bulbous perennials from dry, upland slopes in temperate South America. Funnel-shaped flowers, similar to amaryllis, appear from summer to autumn. Shortly thereafter, seed capsules develop and open to reveal black seeds. Use in containers, rock gardens, or at the front of a border.
 Care: Pest-free and not demanding of any special soil, rain lilies enjoy sun and good drainage. Plant them 3 to 4 inches apart in bold groups, with the tops of the bulbs at soil level. Keep them moist while growing but on the dry side when dormant. They can be grown in a cool greenhouse or, where marginally hardy, at the base of a warm, sunny wall.
 Propagation: Sow seed at 61°F as soon as ripe. Remove offsets in winter and pot up separately.
 Problems: Infrequent.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Habranthus

Habranthus robustus Habranthus robustus
(Rain lily, Zephyr lily, Fairy lily) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Pale pink flowers pop up suddenly after a summer rainstorm and resemble small amaryllis flowers on this native of Brazil. In the proper conditions, they can multiply rapidly and carpet the garden.