Habranthus robustus

Habranthus robustus

This unusual bulb from Argentina and Uruguay forms glossy, grass-like clumps of leaves (ht 20-30 cm) and produces its star-shaped flowers in late summer and autumn. The blooms are pink or pale pink fading to white, and will often reappear after rain, so that several flushes may appear in a year. The bulbs like a sunny position. They grow well in pots. They like some moisture but will tolerate dry periods. These bulbs dislike frost. They can be propagated by division of the bulbs and also by seed, which is freely produced. Colloquially, it is sometimes called the pink rain lily or pink fairy lily.

They are related to, and look rather like, Zephyranthes, but the flowers of Habranthusare held at an angle to the stem and have unequal length of stamens.