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Description
Zephyranthes Atamasco, commonly known as Atamasco Lily, is a perennial bulbous plant that is native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and produces delicate white flowers that bloom in early spring. The plant grows up to 30 cm in height and is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Zephyranthes |
Appearance
Zephyranthes Atamasco has narrow green leaves that grow up to 30 cm in length. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and are about 1 cm wide. The plant produces a single stem that grows up to 30 cm tall and bears one or more flowers. The flowers are white or pink and have six petals that are elliptical in shape. The flowers are about 3 cm in diameter and are borne on a slender pedicel.
Care Guide
Zephyranthes Atamasco is easy to care for and requires minimal attention. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering. During the dormant season, the plant should be watered sparingly.- Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Zephyranthes Atamasco can grow in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Zephyranthes Atamasco is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to bulb rot if the soil is too wet. The plant can also be affected by spider mites and aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Zephyranthes Atamasco is native to the southeastern United States, where it can be found in wetlands, along streams, and in pine savannas. The plant prefers moist soil and can grow in both sun and shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Zephyranthes Atamasco grow in containers?A: Yes, Zephyranthes Atamasco can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained.Q: When should I divide my Zephyranthes Atamasco bulbs?A: Zephyranthes Atamasco bulbs can be divided in the fall after the foliage has died back.Q: How often should I water my Zephyranthes Atamasco plant?A: Zephyranthes Atamasco should be watered regularly during the growing season but should be allowed to dry out between watering.Q: Can Zephyranthes Atamasco tolerate frost?A: Zephyranthes Atamasco is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9 and can tolerate mild frost.
Related Plants
– Zephyranthes candida (White Rain Lily)- Zephyranthes carinata (Pink Rain Lily)- Zephyranthes rosea (Rosepink Zephyrlily)- Zephyranthes grandiflora (Fairy Lily)
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Zephyranthes atamasco (L.) Herb. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ZEAT- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Zephyranthes atamasco. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281322&isprofile=0&gen=Zephyranthes
