Splendid Mariposa Lily (Calochortus splendens)

Splendid Mariposa Lily

Calochortus splendens

Its cup-shaped blooms glow like sunset silk, a delicate wild beauty. Perennial bulbous flowering plant; common name: Splendid Mariposa 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, unobstructed sunlight for optimal blooming; protect from intense midday sun in hot arid regions
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Watering Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot during dormancy
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C during dormancy; tolerates warm summer temperatures up to 30°C with consistent soil moisture
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Single basal linear leaf, up to 40 cm long, withering before flowering
  • Flower: Cup-shaped, 5–8 cm wide, petals in pink to deep purple with yellow or white nectar guides
  • Stem: Slender, upright, branching near the top to hold 1–3 blooms
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and blooming period

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced fertilizer once at shoot emergence. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to prioritize bloom production over foliage growth

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush clean, fully dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per plant in early spring; avoid direct contact with emerging foliage
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms promptly to redirect energy to bulb development
  • Remove withered basal leaves once they fully die back after flowering
  • Trim damaged or broken stems in early spring before new growth emerges
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known health risks from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental wildflower for native plant gardens; cut flower for small floral arrangements