Tolmie's Mariposa Lily (Calochortus tolmiei)

Tolmie's Mariposa Lily

Calochortus tolmiei

Delicate cup-shaped blooms glow like painted silk. Perennial bulbous flowering plant; common name: Tolmie's Mariposa Lily.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers full morning sun with partial afternoon shade in warm climates; tolerates full sun in cool temperate regions
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; avoid prolonged temperatures above 30°C during active growth
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Single basal linear leaf, up to 30 cm long, withering before flowering commences
  • Flower: Cup-shaped blooms 3–6 cm wide; petals range from white to lavender with purple or yellow nectar guides
  • Stem: Slender, erect stem branching near the top to support 1–3 individual flowers
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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 prioritize bloom production over leafy growth

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant in early spring, avoiding direct contact with bulbs to prevent irritation
Pruning
  • Remove spent blooms to conserve bulb energy and prevent unwanted self-seeding
  • Cut back withered foliage completely after it turns brown in late summer
  • Avoid disturbing dormant bulbs during autumn and winter dormancy periods
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Not listed as toxic to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental rock garden plant; native wildflower for pollinator gardens