Buttercup Mariposa Lily
calochortus venustus
Also known as: ["Mariposa Lily","Buttercup Mariposa"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant native to western North America, known for its delicate, cup-shaped flowers with three broad petals, typically white or pale yellow with a purplish base.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Calochortus |
| Botanical Name: | Calochortus venustus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: raised garden bed or rock garden with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with excellent drainage and some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade (4–6 hours of morning sun); protect from harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; provide shade during peak heat; for indoor plants, place near east-facing windows.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust frequency with seasons.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit for drainage.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop in dormant season.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation or division of bulbs (offsets).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly or separate offsets.
- Keep moist.
- Provide warmth and light.
Best Time: Late summer/early fall for seeds; after flowering for bulb division.
Environment
Warm (60–70°F or 15–21°C), high humidity, and partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or bulb fiber for offsets.
Hormone
Not required for seeds; rooting hormone may help with offsets.
Timeline
Seeds: 1–3 years to flower; offsets: establish in 1–2 seasons.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, well-draining mix, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in fall for natural cold stratification; plant offsets at the same depth as parent bulb.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just below the bloom; trim yellowing foliage at the base.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing spent flowers and dead foliage to encourage bulb development.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut dead foliage; clean tools before use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer/early fall after dormancy ends.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too deep to avoid waterlogging.
Method
Use a well-draining mix; place bulb at the correct depth (top just below soil surface); ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing bulbs excessively.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check for crowded bulbs; ensure proper drainage; handle bulbs gently.
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 at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water until it drains from the bottom, then stop to prevent waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth (spring/summer); reduce to once every 3–4 weeks in fall/winter. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, or bud drop.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can damage flower buds; prolonged cold may cause root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location; ensure well-draining soil; apply a layer of mulch for insulation.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can scorch foliage, cause wilting, or lead to premature flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer; avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCalochortus venustus is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases or studies indicating adverse effects from exposure or ingestion of this plant by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicCalochortus venustus is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or studies indicating adverse effects from exposure or ingestion of this plant by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCalochortus venustus is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans under normal circumstances. The plant is not documented to cause adverse physiological effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I care for Calochortus venustus?
A: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water sparingly during dormancy and moderately during active growth.
Q: Does Calochortus venustus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Calochortus venustus toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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