Living in the tropics, we have to work hard to get tulips and daffodils to bloom. Most temperate climate bulbs require a cold dormancy to flourish and blossom. Though you can trick some of them by putting them in the refrigerator for a few months, you may want to consider growing bulbs that thrive in our tropical climate.
Mainlanders in northern states thrill at the sight of tiny crocus blossoms poking up through the snow, heralding spring. We can thrill nearly year round at the appearance of similarly small white flowers aptly named rain lilies. As their common name indicates, it is rain that encourages these bulbs to sprout and bloom. During long dry periods, the bulbs will go into dormancy, but once the rain starts the grassy leaves sprout followed by numerous white blossoms. Nestled in a clump between rocks, along a drive or walk way or holding a slope, a sea of these lovely flowers is a joy to behold.
Rain lilies are also known as zephyr lilies as they are in the zephyranthes genus which is sometimes categorized in the amaryllis family or the larger and more inclusive lily family. Several species of zephyranthes exist with colors including yellows, corals, pinks and whites. New varieties with color, size and flower shape differences appear periodically. The white Zephyranthes candida is easiest to find locally and makes a dramatic statement when in full bloom. The contrast between the dark green grass-like leaves and the small bright white flowers on their short slender stems lends character to borders or massive plantings. The added beauty of these heat tolerant little gems is that once they are planted, you can simply leave them alone to bloom nearly year round, year after year.
Rain lilies make a wonderful ground cover. Their narrow leaves are usually less than a foot long with shorter flower stems that support a one to two inch lily with six petals. They can be grown in a lawn or instead of grass where traffic is light. They need little care and will even tolerate occasional mowing though flowering may be diminished until the plants recover. Applying a light dose of fertilizer every few months and watering them in dry periods will keep these plants happy, healthy and constantly blooming.
Propagation is best done by digging up a few bulbs and getting them started in pots before planting out. They can also be quite attractive when kept in pots. Choose a sunny spot for your rain lilies. In particularly hot locations a little shade for part of the day will keep the bulbs from drying out when the rains diminish.
Though somewhat hard to find locally, you can order the small rain lily bulbs online. Tropical Edibles Nursery in Captain Cook has a lovely drift of Zephyranthes candida going up their drive. They also have some potted and ready to sell.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
Gardening Events
Saturday: “Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Garden Visitor Center across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. Volunteers will be able to help with garden maintenance and are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. Call Peter at 323-3318 for more information.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: Hooulu Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-2 p,m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay.
Sunset Farmers Market, 2 p.m.-sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot.
Saturday: Keauhou Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-noon at Keauhou Shopping Center.
Kamuela Farmer’s Market, 7 a.m.-noon at Pukalani Stables.
Sunday: South Kona Green Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook.
Monday-Saturday: U-Pick greens and produce, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Tropical Edibles Nursery in Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu at 322-4892.
Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 9 a.m.-noon at UH-CES at Komohana in Hilo, 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu.