Zephyranthes candida

Zephyranthes candida, also known as Zephyr lily, is a non-hardy perennial bulbous plant that forms small clumps of evergreen foliage resembling thick grass. It produces star-shaped flowers in late summer, reminiscent of white crocuses, which open well in cloudy weather. Growing and flowering abundantly on the banks of the Rio de Plata, it is said to have inspired the name of this river. It thrives in cool and humus-bearing soil, especially near water sources, and adapts well to pot cultivation.

The Zephyr lily belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. Native to Uruguay and Argentina, this perennial does not exceed 30 cm (12in) in height but slowly spreads through vegetative multiplication, thanks to the formation of numerous bulblets. The flowering occurs in late summer, covering well-established plants with solitary, star-shaped flowers measuring 5 cm (2in) in diameter. These flowers are on tall stems of 20 cm (8in), elegantly resembling miniature pure white lilies. The flower's centre is adorned with yellow stamens. The persistent foliage consists of herbaceous, narrow but thick, gramineous leaves measuring 30 cm (12in) in length, with a glossy green colour.

Being non-hardy, it is preferable to cultivate Zephyranthes candida in pots in colder regions to protect it from severe frosts and admire it up close. Its resplendent flowering often occurs when the clumps are well-established. You can plant it in pots, along the edge of a pond, a stream border, on the banks of a pond, or even directly in the ground if the soil remains sufficiently cool and moist in summer, in mild climates such as the French Riviera or the Atlantic coast. It also thrives well in a cold greenhouse environment.