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Mariposa Lily (Yellow)

Calochortus luteus

geophyte View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Soil

well-drained; heavy clay to sandy; summer dry essential

Size

0–2ft tall , 0–0ft wide

Bloom

Apr-Jun · yellow

Foliage

Deciduous

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Edible

Bulbs roasted; traditional Indigenous food

Native Range

California Coast Ranges and Sierra foothills

Cup-shaped yellow flowers with brown markings at petal bases

One of the easier Mariposa lilies; absolutely no summer water

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Yellow Mariposa Lily bulb in fall or early winter in a location with full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates a range of soil types from sand to heavy clay, but avoid adding too much organic matter - this plant prefers lean conditions. Space bulbs about 6 inches apart and ensure drainage is excellent, as poor drainage is the quickest way to rot the bulb.

After Planting

Water moderately during the winter and spring growing season, then stop watering completely once the plant flowers in spring and enters summer dormancy. Once established, never irrigate during summer - the plant must stay dry during its dormant period. Expect the leaves to die back in early summer; this is normal. The #1 mistake is continuing to water or fuss with the plant after flowering; resist the urge and let it dry out completely.

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