Furrowed Mariposa Lily
calochortus macrocarpus
Also known as: ["Yampa","Sego Lily"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America, known for its distinctive cup-shaped flowers with three broad, petal-like sepals and three narrower petals.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Calochortus |
| Botanical Name: | Calochortus macrocarpus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, raised beds, or containers with excellent drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–18–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or as needed to tidy the plant.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with some afternoon shade in hot climates. Adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak summer heat; ensure proper ventilation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid direct midday sun in summer; use sheer curtains for filtered light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure thorough saturation of root zone; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates cold but requires protection from extreme heat.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; use a weak solution; stop in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; division of bulbs can also be done after dormancy.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly.
- Keep moist.
- Provide warmth.
- Or divide bulbs carefully.
- Replant immediately.
Best Time: Late winter or early spring, just before active growth begins.
Environment
Warm (60–70°F or 15–21°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or bulb fiber with perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone may aid bulb division.
Timeline
Seeds may take 1–3 years to germinate and establish; bulb division roots in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, well-draining mix, rooting hormone (optional), pruners.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in fall for spring germination; use bottom heat for faster germination; divide bulbs only when necessary.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off faded flowers at the base; trim yellowed or dead leaves carefully.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing spent flowers and dead foliage to encourage bulb development.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Check for dead foliage; remove spent flowers; sanitize tools; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring, before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger with adequate drainage holes.
Method
Carefully lift bulbs; trim any damaged roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 2–3 years to refresh soil.
Checklist
Check bulb health; prepare new soil; ensure good drainage; replant at correct depth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the surface. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk. Allow excess water to drain completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to mimic dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature dormancy in response to extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth or induce dormancy, but frost can damage foliage and flowers.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid overwatering in cold conditions; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, bud drop, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid wetting foliage; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; use diluted fertilizer; apply to soil, not foliage; avoid dormant period.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply sparingly in early spring before growth begins; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCalochortus macrocarpus is not known to be toxic to cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicCalochortus macrocarpus is not known to be toxic to dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicCalochortus macrocarpus is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ideal growing environment for Calochortus macrocarpus?
A: It thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils in full sun to partial shade, typically in regions with dry summers and wet winters.
Q: Does Calochortus macrocarpus attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: How should I care for Calochortus macrocarpus after flowering?
A: Reduce watering once flowering ceases to allow the bulb to enter dormancy, resuming only when new growth appears in the following season.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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