Calochortus uniflorus

Common Names

Monterey Mariposa Lily, Large-Flowered Star-Tulip, Pink Star-Tulip

Summary

Monterey mariposa lily is a native perennial herb of the Liliaceae, occurring from western Oregon to western California in moist meadows, coastal prairies and scrub at elevations of 10–1070 m. It is a bulbous geophyte with a short, unbranched stem usually under 5 cm tall; basal leaves reach up to 40 cm and persist to flowering; the inflorescence is a loose cluster of 1–5 erect, bell-shaped flowers with petals white to pink, sometimes purple-spotted near the bases; the fruit is a capsule up to 2.5 cm long.

For cultivation, deep, very well-drained sandy soil in a sunny position is preferred, with moisture during growth and very dry conditions after flowering; moister climates are challenging, and bulb-frame cultivation or a south-facing wall with compatible shrubs can help. Propagation is by seed or division; seed should be sown ripe or early spring in a cold frame, stratification is helpful, germination 1–6 months at 15°C, and seedlings take 5–7 years to flower; bulbs divide after foliage dies and bulblets require about 2 years to reach flowering size, with bulbs storeable cool/dry overwinter for replanting. The bulb is edible raw or cooked, and wildlife such as butterflies may visit.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-8 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Deep, very well-drained fertile sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Deep, very well-drained sandy soil

Soil pH

Mildly acidic to mildly alkaline (neutral to slightly basic) soils

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring to early Summer

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division of bulbs, Stem bulbils

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies