Your Rain Lily Growing Guide for a Vibrant Home Garden

Just after a warm, drenching rainstorm cracks its final bolt of lighting, it's the rain lily's time to shine. Technically known as Zephyranthes plants, you'll spot these diminutive flowering plants under the names rain flower, zephyr lily, fairy lily, and, of course, rain lily. Rain lilies grow best in the country’s warm hardiness zones, but make a fine addition to indoor flower pots no matter where you grow your garden. Here's your guide to planting and caring for your rain lilies this season.

Rain Lilies: Basics You Need to Know

It's easy to mix up rain lilies with similar blooms that pop up around the same time, both because of its look and its name. Rain lilies are actually members of the amaryllis family and look a lot like crocuses when they burst forth in the spring. They grow surrounded by thin green grasses and only produce delicate pointed petals after the rain.

If you've spotted rain lilies in your new yard or are considering growing them for the first time, here are some interesting things to know.

They Grow in Warm Humid Climates

Rain lilies do best in agriculture growing zones 7 to 11—essentially south of Philadelphia or in the warm, dry west. While the water-loving flowers prefer to bloom after the rain, they do best in dryer soil with excellent drainage. If you live north of zone 7, consider planting rain lily bulbs in planters or transferring them indoors in the winter—more on this below.

They Grow From Bulbs

Rain lilies are perennials, which means you only need to plant them once to keep them coming back year after year. You may even inherit them from the former homeowner. You'll find their bulbs sold in large bushels, which you can either plant together or break apart to spread out their color.

Rain Lilies Are Small and Vibrant

Rain lilies are grassy, flowering plants that average between 6 inches to a foot tall. After the rain or a good watering with the hose, a batch of flowers will bloom and last several days. More flowers will appear through the end of summer months after each rainfall. You can opt for the popular white or pink lily bulbs or search for rarer varieties like peach, orange, or yellow.

How and When to Plant Rain Lilies

Purchase lilies either in bulb or active growth from your local or online nursery. It’s best to plant bulbs in the spring after the final risk of the last frost. Keep an eye on your frost schedule with the Farmers’ Almanac. You can also plant rain lily bulbs in the fall if you live in a native planting zone. 

If you're opting for indoor containers, any time of the year will do as long as they get great sun and remain protected from the cold. North of their hardiness zones, rain lilies do well in movable flowerpots that transition from an outdoor patio to an indoor porch throughout the year.

Here are some additional tips for choosing the best time and place for your rain lilies:

• Choose a spot with ample direct sunlight throughout the day.

• Look for well-draining soil with neutral to mild acidity.

• Add fertilizer to your soil if it has a high clay content.

• If possible, plant your bulbs during a dry period in dry soil.

• Always protect your rain lily bulbs from frost.

When you receive your collection of rain lily bulbs, delicately shake apart their roots without significant tearing. Plant individual or a small collection of bulbs about a couple of inches below the surface and about 3 to 4 inches apart. Thoroughly water the bulbs after planting and then allow the soil to dry.

Caring for Rain Lilies

Rain lilies need very minimal upkeep during the year, which is just one of the reasons they're so popular. They can survive prolonged periods of drought, even in their dormant season. However, if you haven't had a soaking rain in some time—particularly if you live in a desert climate—give your flowers a long drink of water to help them bloom. 

There is no need to trim or prune your rain lilies; they can even move down their grassy offshoots without damaging the plant.

If you live in a transition hardiness zone or above zone 7, it's best to protect your rain lilies by digging up the bulbs in the late fall. Allow the bulbs to fully dry and store in a frost-free location like an indoor planter during the winter.

Rain lilies make a stunning addition to your flower beds, especially when you're filling in the gaps along the outside of your garden. Opt for an area where other plants won't block out the light to your rain lilies. These rain-loving blooms will add a joyful burst of color to the outside of your garden just when you need it.