Calochortus, commonly called Mariposa or Butterfly Tulips, are graceful bulbous plants known for their delicate, vivid blooms. Native to California, they feature long flowering stems and attract attention in the garden or vase—with petal shapes and markings that look almost butterfly-like.
Read MorePlant Care Essentials:
Plant Profile:
- Scientific Name: Calochortus
- Size: 8–20inches
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Temperature Tolerance: Prefers mild to warm conditions
- Drought Tolerant: Yes
- Poisonous To Humans: No
- Plant Type: Ornamental bulbous perennial
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Fruits: Yes
- Tropical: No
- Indoor: No
- Flower Color: Bright yellow, orange-scarlet, creamy-white, pink, rosy-purple
- Plant Origin: Western North America
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer
- Poisonous To Pets: No
- Edible Fruit: No
Care Instructions:
These tulip-like bulbs are easy to grow and produce six-petaled flowers in striking colors and patterns, often with a dark central blotch. Varieties such as ‘Clavatus’ (golden yellow), ‘Kennedyi’ (bright orange-scarlet), and ‘Eldorado’ (cream to lilac shades) are particularly showy. They bloom mid-spring through early summer on long stems, providing reliable seasonal color.
Light
Plant in full sun for best blooms. Choose a sunny, protected site where water won’t pool at the base of the bulbs.
Water
Water moderately during active growth and flowering. Keep soil drier during dormancy to prevent bulb rot.
Soil
Use light, sandy, well-draining soil. Raised beds or mounds help prevent winter moisture buildup and rot.
Temperature
Hardy to light frost; do best in regions with cool winters and warm springs. Provide straw mulch during heavy winter rains, then remove in early spring.
Humidity
Low to moderate humidity; avoid overly humid or waterlogged conditions.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced, slow-release bulb fertilizer at planting time and again in early spring to support bulb development and flowering.
Best Placement Ideas
- Sunny raised beds or gravel gardens
- Combined with dry summer-blooming bulbs
- In containers or pots for easy maintenance
- Edging summer borders with airy appeal
Common Issues
- Bulb rot from excess winter moisture
- Flower drop if overcrowded or shaded
- Foliage damage in prolonged wet conditions
- Poor bloom due to dense planting
Things to Watch Out For
- Remove winter mulch in spring to ensure shoot emergence
- Divide crowded clumps when flowering declines
- Ensure bulbs have at least 3 inches of depth for stability
- Keep birds away using twine or netting if necessary
Propagation Tips
Divide clumps of bulbs every few years after foliage dies back. Replant bulbs in pairs or small groups at 3-inch spacing. Save seeds from spent blooms for new plants, though more time-consuming to establish.
Maintenance Tips
Allow foliage to die back naturally before cleaning up. Divide clumps as needed to maintain vigor. Replace soil or top dress beds annually and provide winter mulch in wet climates. Enjoy the flowers in the garden and as cut blooms for summer arrangements.
Did You Know?
Several Calochortus varieties are excellent for cutting—offering long-lasting, eye-catching blooms in bouquets and arrangements.
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