Zephyranthes candida
Common: Fairy lily, Rain lily, Zephyr Flower
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Origin/Range: Argentina
Light: Full sun to light shade
Temp: Hardy in Phoenix
Water: Regular deep watering, with a dry period in between
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Also known as: Amaryllis candida, Argyropsis candida
Zephyranthes candida, or Fairy Lily, is a clump-forming bulbous perennial plant from the La Plata region of South America.
The rush-like leaves will reach 12 inches (30 cm) in containers or as landscape plants. They are cold hardy as far north as USDA zone 5 and make a great border plant in zone 7.
Blooms from mid-September through early October. The 2.5 inch (6.5 cm) white crocus-like flowers are very showy.
Propagated by division of clumps of bulbs or by seed. Fresh seed sown soon after ripening germinate in 3-4 weeks.
In Phoenix, plant at the end of summer. The Zephyr Flower is a late summer bloomer. The genus name "Zephyranthes" means "Flower of the south wind". "Candida" means "white".