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Autumn Rain Lily

Zephyranthes candida

true

1 gallon

Autumn Rain Lily

In stock

1’x1’

Sizes:

Autumn Rain Lily - Zephyranthes spp.

Autumn Rain Lily forms a neat clump about 12 inches tall and wide, with narrow, glossy, dark green leaves. Blooming from fall through spring, these delicate white flowers respond to changes in moisture, often appearing after seasonal rains. Native to South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil), these bulbs adapt well to a variety of soil types and irrigation schedules.

Though not native to our deserts, Autumn Rain Lily adds a charming burst of winter color to rock and cactus gardens, especially in areas with partial shade or filtered sunlight. They typically go dormant during the hot summer months but rebound with cooler temperatures and moisture in fall and winter.

These lilies attract generalist pollinators, including native bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar resources during cooler months when fewer plants are in bloom. Their low-growing habit makes them a nice complement to larger desert plants or succulents in mixed garden beds.

Wildlife Value
While not native, Autumn Rain Lily’s flowers attract generalist pollinators such as native bees and butterflies. It may provide nectar to a variety of local insect visitors but does not have specialized wildlife relationships in the Colorado or Mojave deserts.

Host Plant: None known locally
Nectar Source: Generalist pollinators (native bees, butterflies)
Bird Resources: None documented
Bird Species: None documented
Bees: Attracts native generalist bees and other generalist pollinators

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Partial Shade

Mature size:

1’x1’

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

White

Flower season:

Fall - Spring

Pruning:

Remove faded blooms

Cold Hardiness:

20 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.