PlantFiles: Rain Lily, Rainlily
Habranthus brachyandrus

This is among my favorite of all rain lilies because of its size and that it continuously blooms in waves. The large Hippeastrum-like flowers all face in the same direction and give a charming effect. They are about 4" long and across and on stems from 12" to 24", depending on how much rain has spurred them to bloom and whether they are in shade or sun (shorter in sun). The leaves are about 1/3" wide and are flat and floppy but not unattractive in the garden.

The seed should be collected as the pods are just showing yellow and beginning to split (the seed will be very black and very shiny) and sown immediately (not allowed to dry out). They germinate immediately when sown in this manner. If allowed to dry out, they will germinate, but much later, sometimes as long as a year. They produce copious seed and are easy to naturalize.

Like the Hippeastrums, Habranthus is hardy where ever the ground does not freeze and summers are hot. I've seen magnificent swaths of the stuff at the top of Z 8 and if mulched, they could probably handle much colder. They are also excellent and forgiving pot plants but should be left outside during summer so the rains can touch them.