Calochortus venustus
Butterfly Mariposa Lily
Overview
Calochortus venustus is a bulb-forming perennial reaching 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall, growing from a deep bulb. A single narrow basal leaf 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long withers as the plant flowers. The slender branched stem carries one to several erect, cup-shaped flowers 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) across. Each of the three broad petals ranges from white through yellow, pink, lavender, and deep red, marked near the center by a dark red-brown blotch and often a second smaller spot or yellow zone above the gland. Petal color varies widely between populations. Flowering occurs from May to July depending on elevation. Erect three-angled capsules follow, holding flat pale seeds. The species grows in open grassland, chaparral openings, and pine woodland on sandy or granitic soils. It needs a dry summer dormancy and is intolerant of summer irrigation, which rots the bulb. Seed-grown plants take several years to reach flowering size.
Native Range
Calochortus venustus is native to California, where it is largely endemic, ranging through the Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, and Transverse Ranges. It grows in open grassland, chaparral openings, and dry pine woodland on sandy, granitic, or serpentine soils.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, dry meadow plantings, and native bulb collections with a summer-dry cycle, spaced 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart. Suited to sunny, gritty beds where summer water can be withheld. The flowers draw native bees in water-wise and California native gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread3" - 6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, yellow, pink, lavender, or red with dark blotchFoliage Description
Green, withering by bloomGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Grow Calochortus venustus in full sun on sharply drained sandy, granitic, or rocky soil. It needs a moist winter and spring followed by a dry summer dormancy that matches its California climate. Watering during active spring growth supports flowering, but irrigation withheld after the foliage yellows prevents bulb rot. A neutral to slightly acidic pH from 6.0 to 7.5 suits it. Bulbs are set 3-5 inches (7.5-13 cm) deep in fall in a spot kept dry through summer. The species is slow from seed, taking three to five years to bloom.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this bulb. The withering foliage is left in place to feed the bulb after bloom. Spent flower stalks can be removed once seed is not wanted.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons