White Mariposa Lily (Calochortus albus)

White Mariposa Lily

Calochortus albus

Delicate cup-shaped blooms glow like moonlit silk. Perennial bulbous flowering plant; common names: white mariposa lily, white globe lily.

Full sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; prefers bright morning sun with afternoon shade in hot summer climates
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging the underground bulbs
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; tolerates cool spring temperatures, avoid prolonged heat above 30°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal linear leaves up to 60 cm long, withering before flowering begins
  • Flower: White cup-shaped blooms with purple or yellow nectar guides at petal bases
  • Stem: Slender, upright, unbranched or sparsely branched
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced fertilizer once at bulb emergence. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to support bulb health rather than foliage growth

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly around bulb bases in early spring; avoid direct contact with tender stems
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to bulb growth
  • Cut back fully browned foliage in late summer to tidy the planting area
  • Thin overcrowded bulbs every 3–4 years in autumn to maintain plant vigor
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes purity and delicate beauty in western US native plant landscaping

Usage: Ornamental garden plant, native wildflower restoration projects