Rain Lily, Zephyranthes Labufarosea Aperitif, 2 bulbs, NEW, habranthus

Description: DESCRIPTION OF ITEM FOR BID: You are bidding on 2 bulbs, mixed sizes, not necessarily a blooming size. Regardless of size, it usually takes only a year or two to reach a blooming size. They will be shipped bare root and should be planted right away. DESCRIPTION: Zephyranthes labufarosea Aperitif is a variety selection of a hybrid bulb. These flowers are light pink on the outer 1/3 of the petals with a pink picotee (border around the petals) and a light yellow eye. Flowers are about 2 1/2" in diameter, 8" tall and form bulbs 1 3/8" in diameter. If you are looking for a rain lily that will thrive in the shade, this is it. Labufarosa is probably one of the most interesting rain lilies, in our opinion, because its genetics are such that it has produced a wide range of 'sports' or variations with different flower colors, flower shapes from large, floppy petals to small pointed petals, and flowers that range in size from small to large. We have recorded blooms from July through November here in northeast Florida, zone 9. We are offering this for the first time on eBay in 2017.The following characteristics are usually true about the labufarosea varieties unless otherwise noted: 1) They typically bloom May-November, but "Star Spangled", for example has bloomed for us every month of the year at one time or another 2) The bulbs multiply rapidly, typically forming 2-4 new offset bulbs each year. The bulbs are generally large compared to most rain lilies and range from 1 to 1 1/4" in diameter. 3) The style is buried deep in the throat of the flower and is not visible, similar to drummondii. The only way to expose the pistil and stigma (tip that receives the pollen) is to tear the flower apart down the middle to expose it. 4) Colors are highly variable and range from pure white, pink to red with combinations of those color shades. Many of these variations have been selected, named and propagated for sale. 5) Most commonly the petals are wide, but some have narrow or medium-width petals. 6) Generally they will do better with some shade during the hot afternoons, but with enough water they do just fine in the full sun. It is one of the few rain lilies that will actually bloom and do well in full shade. 7) All varieties will form some seed on their own, but some form very little while others might form seeds on about 30% of the flowers. If the flowers are ripped apart and hand pollinated, the are very fertile. They are very picky and not receptive to pollen from many other varieties.Rain lilies bloom about 4 days after a rain. Blooms are stimulated by the nitrogen, which is created by lightning, and picked up in the raindrops. In 2014 we started a small hybridization effort which by early 2017 has produced seeds from over 150 successful crosses and about an equal number of failures. Some seedlings did not survive, but we still have over 100 crosses growing and many of the seedlings from the same cross are exhibiting different markings and characteristics because each seed is unique genetically. We plan to continue this in the hope of introducing some of our own hybrids in a few more years. Currently we grow about 400 different rain lilies, including 261 zephyranthes, 31 habranthus and 3 zephbranthus (cross of zephyranthes and habranthus), and our new hybrids. We are actively seeking new species or hybrids to purchase or trade to increase our collection and can provide a list of our collection upon request. Our listings have free shipping. The two leading nurseries that sell rain lilies charge from $17 to $23 just for shipping one selection in addition to the cost of the plant. BACKGROUND: Zephyranthes labuffarosea 'Aperitif' is a hybrid bulb but labufarosea are highly variable. A naturally occurring rain lily hybrid, discovered by Yucca Do Nursery in 1990 at 4,000 feet elevation in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Literally translated it means “pink mountain”. It is an intermediate form of Cooperia pedunculata and a local pink form of zephyranthes. Cooperia/cooperanthes are distinguished by being long-tubed with clustered stamens (all of the stamens are in a tight bunch in the middle of the flower and are very short while the pistil is usually not visible but deep in the flower tube below the flower), a primrose scented and having very light yellow or white pollen. They survive well in very dry conditons, being more hardy and faster blooming than habranthus or zephyranthes. (See Bulbs For Warm Climates, Howard, pages 54-55.) They form an incredible number of different flower shapes and colors. Most of the named varieties on the market have been introduced by Yucca Do Nursery or Plant Delights Nursery, but we have even named and marketed a few of our own and are propagating others to be introduced sometime in the future. GROWING CONDITIONS: Rain lily bulbs generally will grow in a wide variety of soils and will do fine in any garden setting with an average amount of water. A few varieties require much more water. They thrive in rich soil with ample water and full sun. We grow all of ours in the hot Florida sun, but generally they will do better with a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day. Plants require less care if planted in the ground, but rain lilies, especially, make excellent container plants. Most varieties form seeds and a few do not form offset bulbs reproducing only from seed. Growing them in pots helps in keeping the seeds out of adjacent plants. Most rain lilies will do better if they are pot-bound or growing in crowded conditions. If left alone, they will form dense clumps. Most rain lilies require 2-3 years to reach a blooming size from seed. A few, like Z. minima, can bloom in 1 year and others can take 4 or more years. They are usually evergreen in frost-free climates and many varieties keep their leaves even during sub-freezing temperatures. Here in the colder part of zone 9 with temperatures rarely below the 20's, they keep their foliage. It is not uncommon for some varieties to lose all of their leaves in very dry weather and a few have a dormant period where the leaves disappear for 2-3 months. They are easy to grow in pots in any climate but they must be protected from freezing temperatures. If they are stored over the winter, the pots can be allowed to dry somewhat but should not go completely dry. Do not remove the bulbs from the pots or ground more than a few weeks, however, as rain lily bulbs do not store well when they are dry out of the soil. Otherwise they are very vigorous and tolerant of more dry conditions too when planted in the ground and will do fine in zone 7b-10. PHOTOS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: These are pictures of our plants, so you know exactly what they look like and what you will receive. The photos show the plant in various stages of growth. Please feel free to contact us for additional information, and click on "Me" following our star rating. Also, we invite you to go to our store (little red or blue door) and look at other items we have for sale.

Price: 18 USD

Location: Middleburg, Florida

End Time: 2024-01-28T18:03:02.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD