Major August Rainlily. This little species Lily, which is native to wetland plains of southern South America, Argentina, Uruguay and responds to the first good rain in August by putting up white crocus-like flowers on 8" stalks overnight. This is one of the more amazing phenomena in the garden to see how quickly this plant will respond to moisture when it has been deprived for some time. It will continue to flower sporadically into fall. This particular selection was introduced by Kew Gardens of the UK in 1897 with the original collection made by a Dr. Cantera near Montevideo, Uruguay. Its leaves are a cylindrical dark black-green, which favor wild garlic, except for their color. Few plants are easier to grow in the garden than this, with this selection being more robust and vigorous than the species.
Zones 7-10
