August 2025 Honoree Blooming Beauty: Zephyr Lily
Diana Duff, a plant adviser, educator, and consultant based on Oahu and Kona, is making it easier for Hawaiian gardeners to cultivate beautiful flowers. Plant Advice Lines are available anytime at [email protected], and in-person advice is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu, and on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon at UH CES at Konohana in Hilo.
For those seeking to browse and buy, several farmers markets across the islands offer a variety of plants and flowers. On Saturdays, the Kamuela Farmer's Market is held from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables, while the Keauhou Farmers Market can be found at the Keauhou Shopping Center from 8 a.m. to noon. The Waimea Homestead Farmers Market takes place at the Waimea middle and elementary school playground on Saturdays, and the Waimea Town Market is held at the Parker School in central Waimea from 7:30 a.m. to noon. On Sundays, Hamakua Harvest is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hwy 19 and Mamane Street in Honokaa, and the Pure Kona Green Market is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook.
When it comes to choosing the right flowers for tropical climates, there are several options that balance adaptability with flowering quality. The Zephyranthes genus, a member of the large Liliaceae (lily) family, includes Zephyr lilies, also known as rain lilies. These heat-tolerant plants thrive in tropical climates and produce lovely blossoms for many months of the year. Tropical Edibles Nursery in Captain Cook occasionally has potted Zephyranthes candida available for sale.
Maintenance for Zephyr lilies is minimal, and they can tolerate occasional mowing. Watering rain lilies encourages blooming and is recommended to keep them happy. The easiest way to propagate the white rain lily is by bulb division.
For those seeking a more colourful display, bulb plants like Pancratium sickenbergeri and Pancratium zeylanicum, which naturally thrive in warmer regions and even flower with rain stimulation, are excellent choices. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) bulbs are also well-adapted to tropical and subtropical areas, producing large, showy flowers. Gladiolus, Dahlias, and Liliums (lilies) are other generally tropical or warm climate bulbs that grow well in pots and borders with appropriate care, providing vibrant summer blooms in warmer climates.
Remember, bulbs like crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips typically need cooler periods and so are less suited to tropical zones unless grown with special care. Applying a light dose of fertilizer every few months helps keep rain lilies healthy.
For those interested in coffee farming, Hands on Coffee Grafting Workshops can be registered for at https://www.hawaiicoffeeed.com/coffeegraftsignup.html to receive notice of dates and times.
On Wednesdays, the Ho'oulu Farmers Market takes place at Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay. Monday offers the Hawaii Small Business Development Center's start-up assistance for businesses online, with a $15 fee. Contact them at (808) 333-5000 for more information or to register.
On Sundays, the Waimea Town Market is not to be missed, and on the same day, the Pure Kona Green Market is held at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips and market locations will help you grow a beautiful, vibrant garden in Hawaii.
- For individuals with a keen interest in coffee farming, Hands on Coffee Grafting Workshops can be registered for online to receive notifications about dates and times.
- Balancing adaptability with flowering quality, choosing the Zephyranthes genus, such as Zephyr lilies or rain lilies, is a good option for tropical climates.
- For those seeking a more colorful display in their garden, bulb plants like Pancratium sickenbergeri, Pancratium zeylanicum, Amaryllis (Hippeastrum), Gladiolus, Dahlias, and Liliums (lilies) are excellent choices, thriving in pots and borders in warmer climates.
