Calochortus plummerae

Common Names

Plummer's Mariposa Lily, Mariposa Lily

Summary

Plummer’s mariposa lily is a California-endemic bulbous perennial with slender, often branching stems about 30–60 cm tall and basal leaves that wither at flowering; an inflorescence carries 2–6 erect flowers with a broadly campanulate perianth, petals pale pink to rose with a broad central band of long yellow hairs, and a hairy interior, with 3–5 cm sepals and 4–8 cm capsules; it grows on dry, rocky slopes in chaparral and related habitats from near sea level to about 1700 m, primarily in the South Coast, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges of California.

Cultivation favors gritty, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade, with low water needs and summer dormancy; drought-tolerant once established. Bulbs should be planted 2–3 inches deep with 12–18 inches of spacing, and planting is best in fall or early spring; propagation occurs via seeds or bulbs. Zones 9a–11 accommodate this plant, and it is suitable for drought-tolerant landscapes in western gardens.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

4-6 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9a-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, rocky, gritty soil on dry slopes (pH 6.0–7.0).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral.

Bloom Color

Pink to rose

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green, Silvery, glaucous

Fall Foliage Color

Silvery, green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division (bulb offsets, bulbils)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators