SKU: 00840369421395 10 Aztec Lily (Zephyranthes formosissima) Bareroots

Key Features

• Growth Habit: Bulbous, herbaceous perennial with an upright, clump-forming habit. Narrow, strap-like leaves emerge from underground bulbs, while individual flower stalks rise above or alongside the foliage.
• Bloom Color: Spectacular deep scarlet to crimson-red flowers with an exotic, asymmetrical form. The large blooms are sometimes compared to orchids because of their dramatically arranged petals and prominent stamens.
• Bloom Season: Most commonly flowers from late spring into early summer. Established bulbs growing under favorable warm conditions may occasionally produce additional flowers later in summer.
• Fragrance: Flowers generally have little to no noticeable fragrance and are valued primarily for their extraordinary color and form.
• Fruit Flavor: None. Following successful pollination, plants may develop seed capsules, but these are not edible fruits and should not be consumed.
• Culinary Uses: None. Aztec Lily is an ornamental member of the Amaryllis family and should not be used as food. Do not confuse it with edible onions or other culinary Allium bulbs.
• Medicinal Uses: Plants in the Amaryllis family contain biologically active alkaloids, and various related species have histories of traditional use or scientific investigation. However, Aztec Lily is not recommended for homemade medicinal preparations or self-treatment because potentially toxic compounds are present.
• Possible Toxicity to Pets or Humans: Toxic if ingested. Like many members of the Amaryllis family, Aztec Lily contains alkaloids, with the bulb generally presenting the greatest concern. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, drooling, or other symptoms in people and pets. Keep bulbs and plant material away from dogs, cats, children, and livestock. Gloves are advisable when handling bulbs if you have sensitive skin.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: The dramatic flowers can attract hummingbirds and pollinating insects. The plant is relatively resistant to browsing because of its toxic compounds, although it should not be considered completely deer- or rabbit-proof. Potential pests include slugs, snails, aphids, spider mites, bulb mites, and mealybugs. Bulb and root rot can occur in poorly drained soil.
• Planting Zone: Best suited to approximately USDA Zones 8–11, with winter survival depending heavily on drainage and local minimum temperatures. In colder regions, bulbs should generally be lifted and stored indoors for winter.
• Sun Preferences: Full sun to partial shade. Approximately 6 or more hours of direct sunlight encourages strong growth and flowering. Light afternoon shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates.
• Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, loose, well-drained soil. Excellent drainage is especially important during cool or dormant periods because bulbs can rot if kept continuously wet.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established. Plants appreciate regular moisture during active growth and flowering but tolerate drier conditions as they enter dormancy. Avoid constantly saturated soil.
• Mature Size: Foliage generally reaches approximately 12–18 inches tall, with flowering stems commonly reaching around 12–24 inches. Established bulbs gradually produce offsets and can develop into attractive clumps.

When and How to Prune

• Aztec Lily requires very little conventional pruning.
• Remove spent flowers after they fade if seed production is not desired.
• Cut finished flower stalks back near their base once blooming has ended.
• Do not remove healthy green foliage immediately after flowering. The leaves continue photosynthesizing and replenishing energy reserves within the bulb for the following year's flowers.
• Allow foliage to remain until it naturally yellows, browns, and begins dying back.
• Once foliage is completely yellow or dry, cut it back near soil level using clean pruning shears.
• Remove damaged or diseased leaves whenever necessary.
• Avoid cutting the foliage back prematurely, as repeatedly doing so can weaken the bulb and reduce future flowering.

Planting Instructions (Bareroot/Bulb into the Ground)

Aztec Lilies are typically shipped dormant as bare bulbs rather than conventional fibrous bareroot plants. If your plant arrives without foliage or soil, the bulb itself is the normal planting material.

1. Plant in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm.
2. Inspect the bulb before planting. It should feel firm rather than soft or mushy. Remove only completely loose, dead outer material.
3. If roots are attached, handle them carefully and avoid unnecessarily trimming healthy roots.
4. Select a location receiving full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage.
5. Loosen the soil approximately 8–10 inches deep. Incorporate compost if additional organic matter is needed, but avoid creating a heavy, moisture-retentive planting pocket.
6. Dig a planting hole large enough to accommodate the bulb and roots without crowding.
7. Position the bulb upright with the pointed neck facing upward and roots extending downward.
8. Plant relatively shallowly, generally leaving the neck or upper portion of the bulb at or slightly above soil level rather than burying it deeply.
9. Spread any existing roots naturally downward and outward beneath the bulb.
10. Backfill gently around the bulb and roots, firming the soil lightly without compacting it.
11. Space bulbs approximately 6–8 inches apart to provide room for offsets and future clump development.
12. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
13. During active spring and summer growth, water when the upper portion of the soil begins to dry. Keep the soil moderately moist but never continuously saturated.
14. Once foliage begins naturally yellowing and the plant enters dormancy, reduce watering substantially.

Overwintering Steps

• In reliably warm climates within approximately USDA Zones 8–11, Aztec Lily bulbs can generally remain in the ground if planted in a protected location with excellent winter drainage.
• Apply a light layer of mulch after the weather cools in marginal areas, but avoid covering the bulb crown with thick, moisture-retaining material.
• Reduce watering considerably when the plant becomes dormant. Cool, wet soil can encourage bulb rot.
• In colder regions, lift the bulbs after frost has killed or yellowed the foliage.
• Carefully dig around the bulbs to avoid cutting or bruising them.
• Allow lifted bulbs to dry briefly in a shaded, well-ventilated location.
• Remove loose soil and dead foliage, but avoid washing bulbs intended for dry storage.
• Store dormant bulbs in a cool, dry, frost-free location with good airflow during winter.
• Periodically inspect stored bulbs and discard any that become soft or show signs of rot.
• Replant outdoors in spring after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed.
• Offsets that develop around mature bulbs can be separated during dormancy and replanted to produce additional plants.

With its brilliant scarlet-red, orchid-like flowers and unusual exotic form, Aztec Lily is an unforgettable addition to sunny borders, rock gardens, patio plantings, and containers. Its dramatic blooms create a tropical appearance without requiring a large amount of garden space, while mature bulbs can multiply into increasingly impressive clumps over time. Given plenty of sunlight, excellent drainage, and appropriate winter protection, this extraordinary Mexican native can provide a spectacular floral display year after year.