Desert Mariposa Lily
calochortus kennedyi
Also known as: ["Desert Globe Lily","Kennedy's Mariposa Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial native to arid regions of the southwestern United States, known for its striking, globe-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Calochortus |
| Botanical Name: | Calochortus kennedyi |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock garden or sunny, open border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter; mimics natural arid conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering is complete, annually.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or spent parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day); adjust to partial shade in extreme heat to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings; reduce watering during dormancy to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or perlite if needed.
Temperature
Prefers warm to hot temperatures (65–90°F or 18–32°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in arid, warm conditions.
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; division of bulbs can also be done after flowering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly in a well-draining medium.
- Keep warm and moist until germination.
- For bulb division, carefully separate offsets after flowering and replant immediately.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing; seeds can be sown in late summer or early fall.
Environment
Warm, bright conditions with indirect light for seeds; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; protect from extreme temperatures.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of sand and peat moss for seeds; bulb division requires minimal disturbance.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone may help with bulb cuttings but is not essential.
Timeline
Seeds may take 1–3 years to germinate and establish; bulb division will produce new plants in the same growing season.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, well-draining soil, watering can, gloves, sharp knife (for bulb division).
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; provide consistent warmth for seeds; handle bulbs gently during division.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off flower stalks at the base once they have dried; avoid cutting into the bulb or foliage.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; avoid cutting foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after the plant has finished flowering and before dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) if repotting.
Method
Carefully lift the bulb, remove old soil, and trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with the bulb just below the soil surface.
Suggestions
Repot only when the bulb becomes crowded or the container is too small; typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; plant bulb at correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; reduce frequency in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce watering significantly in late summer and fall as the plant enters dormancy; avoid watering in winter unless the soil is extremely dry.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or root rot in cold, wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage, especially if combined with wet soil.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; ensure well-draining soil to prevent cold-induced root rot; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering if not managed with proper watering and shade.
Solution: Water deeply during heatwaves; provide afternoon shade; increase humidity around the plant if grown in containers.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply in spring only; avoid during dormancy; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply once in early spring as growth begins; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCalochortus kennedyi is mildly toxic to cats if ingested, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The compounds present can cause mild digestive disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Calochortus kennedyi bulbs and roots can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The effects are typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCalochortus kennedyi contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other mild symptoms upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Calochortus kennedyi?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, as it is adapted to arid conditions.
Q: Does Calochortus kennedyi attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Calochortus kennedyi be grown indoors?
A: It is best suited for outdoor cultivation in sunny, well-drained locations, as it requires a period of dormancy and specific growing conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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