Pink Rain-lily (Zephyranthes grandiflora) - Summer Pink Stars for Sunny Pond Edges (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free; Non-Native, Garden-Safe)

A cheerful summer-flowering bulb that throws soft pink, crocus-like stars after warm spells and rain. Forms neat grassy clumps and repeats through late summer in free-draining, moisture-retentive loam at the pond collar or in containers (it’s not aquatic). Foliage 10-20 cm, flowers 20-30 cm. Best in a sunny, sheltered spot; may self-seed lightly in warm summers.
Note on name: Often sold as Zephyranthes “graniflora” - the accepted spelling is grandiflora.

Where it thrives
Light: Full sun (tolerates very light shade)
Moisture/Zone: Pond collar / dry rim / damp border pockets / containers; free-draining mineral loam with added grit + leaf-mould; do not sit in water
Setting: Path-side pockets, raised collar beds, terracotta bowls near the pond; pretty with low sedges and small marginals (on dry land)

Planting & care

• Plant bulbs spring 5-7 cm deep in peat-free gritty loam; water to establish, then allow to dry slightly between waterings

• Feed lightly in summer; deadhead to tidy or leave a few pods to self-seed

• Winter (UK): Give a dry mulch or lift/store frost-free in very cold/wet sites; excellent in pots you can move to shelter

• Divide congested clumps in spring as growth starts

Safety (important & honest):
Ornamental use only - do not ingest. Generally low-risk; wash hands after gardening. Keep plant material and soil out of natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
A pretty accent with some nectar in warm, still weather, but not a native host plant. Surround with high-value natives to keep wildlife front and centre.

Joel says…
“Treat rain-lilies like little sun-loving sparks along the dry pond rim. Keep the mix free-draining, and in cold snaps give them a dry mulch - or grow in pots you can tuck away.”