Zephyranthes primulina

Zephyranthes primulina

A variety of storm lily, Zephyranthes primulina, ht 20 cm), is a dainty member of the Amaryllidaceae family of bulbs. This species name was what it was sold it to me as, though I can find no reference to it in any of my reference books. It is, however, a legitimate name, according to The Plant List. The genus is native to Central and Southern America and the Caribbean. This species has thin grassy foliage and soft yellow flowers like a crocus, and is easily grown in Sydney. It is very similar to the white-flowered Zephyranthes candida, which is autumn-blooming. It appears to be evergreen and flowers in November, December and early January. It has a tendency to come into bloom after rain has fallen, hence the common name, and several flushes of flowers can be expected if there a few periods of rain in early summer. Thick clumps of bulbs will form and they can survive in quite dry positions, such as at the base of a hedge. This species produces a lot of seed. They will grow in sun or part-shade and can be cultivated in pots.