Autumn Crocus

Zephyranthes Candida

 
 
 


Santoli Zephyranthes candida, commonly known as Autumn Crocus, Autumn Zephyrlily, White Windflower and Peruvian Swamp Lily.  It is a species of rain or storm lily native to South America including Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil.  The species is widely cultivated as an ornamental and should be flowering at this time of the year.

They are known as Rain Lilies as they bloom after the first bit of rain and since we recently had some rain in Sydney they are flowering now. They will often flower in response to thunderstorms in late summer and autumn.  The flowers are dainty and white with yellow stamens in the centre and shiny green foliage. This plant is excellent to grow in all climates including the tropics and can be evergreen in some climates.  As Sydney’s climate is too mild for real crocuses, this is one bulb most of us can grow.

These are low or no maintenance – they are supplied as dormant bulbs - you can plant them and then forget about them.  They are ideal to grow in pots and containers. 

 
 
 

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