Calochortus amabilis
Diogenes' lantern
Northern California (North Coast Ranges)
Overview
Calochortus amabilis is a bulb-forming perennial native to northern California, growing 4-20 inches (10-50 cm) tall on a slender, often branched stem. A single basal leaf 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) long usually withers by flowering time. From April to June the branched stem carries several nodding, globe-shaped flowers, each deep yellow with three petals curved inward to form a hanging lantern about 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) wide, fringed along the margins. The flowers hang downward and are held above the dried basal leaf. Calochortus amabilis grows on dry, wooded and brushy slopes, often on serpentine soils, in the North Coast Ranges of California. It depends on a dry summer dormancy and rots in soil that stays wet after bloom. The deep-yellow nodding lanterns give the common name Diogenes' lantern. The plant tolerates poor, rocky soil and drought but is slow from seed, taking several years to reach flowering size. It grows where winter rain and a dry summer follow the natural cycle.
Native Range
Calochortus amabilis is native to the North Coast Ranges of northern California. It grows on dry wooded and brushy slopes, often on serpentine soils.Suggested Uses
Calochortus amabilis is used in rock gardens, dry native plantings, and bulb collections in dry-summer climates, spaced 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart. Its drought tolerance suits sunny, gravelly slopes that stay dry in summer. It is grown in raised beds or troughs where drainage and summer dryness can be controlled.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Flowers open from April to June, hanging downward in loose clusters. Each stem carries several blooms that last several days. Bloom timing follows winter and spring rainfall.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Calochortus amabilis grows in full sun to light shade and dry, sharply drained rocky or serpentine soil. It depends on a dry summer dormancy and rots in soil that stays wet after flowering. Water is given through spring growth and withheld once the foliage yellows. Bulbs are planted 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) deep in autumn in dry-summer climates. The plant declines in rich soil and summer irrigation, which shorten its life. It is slow from seed and takes several years to reach flowering size.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Spent flower stems are left until the foliage yellows so the bulb can store energy. Dry stems are removed once summer dormancy begins.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons