Calochortus Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 20th Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Calochortus plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Mariposa Lily, Globe Tulip, Butterfly Tulip, & Fairy Lantern: Cultivation & Garden Use

Calochortus is a half hardy bulb. It can grow to a height of between six to thirty-six inches (15 and 90 cm) - depending on the species.. Plants bloom in the spring with cup shaped flowers that have petals of yellow, white, purple or red.

Some of the better known names include Globe Tulip, Butterfly Tulip, Fairy Lantern, Cat's ear, Mariposa lily, Star Tulip and Sego lily.

Calochortus albus by Scott Zona.

How to Grow Calochortus Mariposa Lily

If planning to grow Calochortus outdoors from the off it is best to sow out the seed in the autumn, simply cover the seeds.

If growing from bulbs then they should be buried at a depth of 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm).

When starting seedlings off indoors then it is best to start the process in the late summer or early in the spring. Germination will take between one and six months and should be performed at a temperature of 55 to 64°F (13 to 18°C).

Growing Mariposa Lily and other Calochortus members is a long process, the seedlings should be allowed to grow for two years, re-potted, allowed another two years growth and then the bulbs planted at a distance of four inches (10 cm apart) in the garden.

Calochortus by Tom Hilton.

Caring for Calochortus

Calochortus like to grow in sunny or partially shaded areas of the garden in a sandy acidic soil that has good drainage. Control slugs. After about six years from the initial sowing the plants should flower.

Calochortus Growing Guide and Facts

Common Names: Mariposa, Mariposa Lily, Globe Lily, Fairy Lantern, Cat’s Ear, Star Tulip, Sego Lily, Short Lily, Beavertail grass.
Diversity: There are four major clades in the 70 member containing Calochortus genus. The Mariposas are usually found in semi-desert and dry grass areas; Cat’s ears are found in montane woodlands; Fairy lanterns habitat closed forests; and Star tulips are found in wet meadows.
Family: Liliaceae (lily).
Life Cycle: Half hardy bulb.
Height: 6 to 36 inches (15 to 90 cm).
Native: Northern America.
Growing Region: Zones 5 to 10.
Flowers: Spring through to early summer.
Flower Details: White, Red, yellow, purple, blue. Delicate. Cup-shaped. Large variations: Mariposa has wedge shaped petals; Both Star Tulips and Cat’s ears have pointed petals, these are usually erect; Fairy lanterns have globe shaped flowers.
The stem has a variable number of flowers, some species have just one, whilst ones such as the elegant Mariposa (Cat’s ear) may have between one and seven.
Foliage: Linear.
Sow Outside: Seed: cover. Autumn. Bulbs: 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) Autumn. Spacing 4 inches (10 cm).
Sow Inside: It takes approximately six years for seed grown Calochortus bulbs to flower. Sow the seeds in late summer or the start of spring. Temperature 55 to 65°F (13 to 18°C). Leave in situ for two years, then pot them up. Leave for a further two years before transplanting outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight or partial shade. Good drainage. Slightly acidic soil, sandy, loamy. Water very sparingly during prolonged dry spells in the summer. Provide water from winter to spring. Winter mulch. Bring bulbs indoors over the winter in cold areas and store in a frost free, but cool place. Propagate: by dividing corms in the autumn.
Miscellaneous: A traditional food crop of native Americans.

Common Questions

How many members does the Calochortus genus have?

The Calochortus genus comprises about 70 species, recognized for their colorful, tulip-shaped flowers.

Do members of Calochortus make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Calochortus species, often called Mariposa Lilies, are beautiful additions to borders, rock gardens, or wildflower meadows.

Which Calochortus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Calochortus luteus (Yellow Mariposa Lily) and Calochortus venustus (Butterfly Mariposa Lily) are commonly grown for their striking blooms.

Are members of the Calochortus plant genus fragrant?

While not generally known for their fragrance, Calochortus are more appreciated for their eye-catching, butterfly-like flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Calochortus?

Calochortus prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They're drought-tolerant, making them a good choice for xeriscapes or rock gardens.

Is Calochortus invasive in the USA?

Presently, Calochortus species are not considered invasive in the USA. These native wildflowers tend to be well-behaved in gardens.

How do I remove Calochortus plants from my garden?

Removing Calochortus involves digging up the bulbs. However, they're generally non-invasive and often desirable in gardens.

Summary

The Calochortus genus, part of the Liliaceae family, is native to North America. Also known as mariposa lily or globe tulip, these perennial bulbous plants are known for their large, tulip-like flowers in various colors that bloom in summer.

To grow Calochortus, plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from bulbs planted in the fall. Regular watering is necessary, but they are quite drought-tolerant once established. They are often used in borders, rock gardens, or as cut flowers for their eye-catching, vibrant blooms.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Calochortus plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Nomocharis and Tricyrtis plants.