PlantFiles: Howard's Rain Lily
Habranthus howardii

This species was first collected by Thad Howard in Mexico in 1962 and 1963. It must be absolutely dry during its dormant period, and the bulb should only be repotted when absolutely necessary, as repotting causes it to fail to bloom the following season.

I took a great deal of effort to finally identify this plant in the yard, but my understanding is that it is called Amaryllis memoria-corsii Howardii, a hybrid of Crinum moorei and Amaryllis belladonna. Western Sunset says get an offset from a friend as it is scarce.

The leaves are like Naked Ladies but are quite wide (up to 6") and almost papery. The greenery will get slimy in winter and quite ugly. In spring the leaves are simply stunning, especially in mass after twenty years of multiplying in the same spot. There must be twenty plants in a 24" by 24" space, terribly crowded together. We have ours in shade beneath an extensive Mulberry tree but we lost that limb last spring and the lily did well after initial shock of being exposed to the morning and hot midday sun.

The trumpet flowers in late summer are lightest pink if in the shade, deeper pink if in the sun, generally three to a leafless stalk. They have a light but delightful scent.

After the bloom, pods form at the end of each flower 'finger'. Wait until the pods dries naturally, take out the seeds and place inbetween wet paper towels until it sprouts.

Snails are attracted to the plant, as well as hummers and bees.