Pink rainlilies (Zephyranthes grandiflora) are tropicals native to southern Mexico and Guatemala. They are almost magical bulbs coming into bloom a few days after the summer rains begin. During the drought of the past few years, I fooled very few rainlilies into blooming with regular watering. But with the first few rains this year, they exploded in a pandemonium of pink.

Rainlilies should not be grown by the gardener who needs a constant plant. Rainlilies are anonymous plants that suddenly jump out at you and yell, "Surprise! Bet you forgot you planted me." In the southern U.S., they are a wonderful substitute for crocus. After a couple of weeks, rainlilies fade; their grass-like leaves blend into the other greenery. But by then the coleus, geraniums, and gingers have your attention.

Zephyranthes [zef er an' these] were named for Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind, the wind that brings the summer's rain. There are about 40 species of these diminutive members of the Amaryllis family. All are native to the Americas. They can be container grown with care taken to insure they are not allowed to freeze. Place them in a cool house or basement window to wait out the winter months.