Fairy lily
The Fairy Lily, scientifically called the Zephyranthes candida, is a clump-forming bulbous perennial plant from the Rio de la Plata region of South America, specifically in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. Its grass-like leaves usually grow about 12 inches long. It can be grown in containers or as landscape plants. It produces 2.5 inch white crocus-like flowers.
The plant belongs to the Amaryllidaceae plant family, and was first described by John Lindley in 1823 as the Amaryllis candida. It was renamed under its current name in 1826 by William Herbert.
The Fairy Lily erect flower stalks which support an attractive white flower that may be upward facing or slightly nodding. The flowers typically last only for a day or two; but new flowers may appear in a succession of blooms, especially during humid or rainy weather.
The plant has perennial bulbs, a food and water storage organ that helps it ecologically adapt to periodically wet soils and deserts. The plant has many ornamental characteristics worth preserving.
Caution should be practiced when growing the plant as its leaves and bulbs contain alkaloids which are considered toxic. The genus has also been evaluated to possess possible medicinal properties.
The Zephyranthes candida grows best in partially shaded areas and under the dull sunlight. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil mix. The soil mix can be equal mixture of sand, garden soil and compost. The soil mix needs to be kept moist for optimum growth and can be fertilized during the growing season with a controlled release fertilizer.
The Fairy Lily can be propagated by division of clumps of bulbs or by seed. Fresh seed sown soon after ripening germinate in three to four weeks.
The plant is ideal for rock gardens, used as groundcovers near base of trees and shrubs, or as border plants. It is a low-maintenance plant which can be planted on site. It doesn’t demand too much of your attention as it can withstand dry periods or rains. The cycle of drying then watering encourages them to send forth bewitching flowers. The cover of Zephyranthes also hides fallen leaves, which is gradually turned into nutrient rich compost for continued plant health. - Article courtesy of Manila Bulletin.
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