Mariposas (Calochortus)

Mariposas

Also known as: Cat's ears, Star tulips, Fairy lanterns

Mariposas grow from bulbs, and the genus includes perennials and herbs. The species are native to North America and produce flowers in the spring and early summer from a single stem growing from the bulb. The flowers have up to three petals and vary in size and color, notably including both solids and streaked petals in different species.

Scientific classification

Genus

Mariposas (Calochortus)

Family

Lily

Order

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

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Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Images of Mariposas

Species

Sego Lily Tolmie star-tulip White globe lily Subalpine mariposa lily Butterfly mariposa lily Smokey mariposa Short lily Splendid mariposa lily Gold nuggets Weed's mariposa lily Plummer's mariposa lily Yellow mariposa Santa catalina mariposa lily Desert mariposa lily Slender mariposa lily Winding mariposa lily Sagebrush mariposa lily Elegant mariposa lily Late-blooming mariposa lily Munz's mariposa lily Beavertail grass Oakland mariposa lily Clay mariposa lily Desert mariposa lily White mariposa lily Calochortus barbatus Desert mariposa lily Tiburon mariposa lily Cedars mariposa lily Calochortus purpureus Dunn's mariposa lily Plain mariposa lily Yellow star-tulip San luis mariposa lily Coast range mariposa lily Gunnison's mariposa lily Monterey mariposa lily Bruneau mariposa lily Goldenbowl mariposa lily Doubting mariposa lily Purple fairy-lantern Lyall's mariposa lily Palmer's mariposa lily Mt. diablo fairy-lantern Palmer's mariposa lily Naked mariposa lily Pointedtip mariposa lily

Quickly Identify Mariposas

Distinct flowers in shapes of mariposas, globe lilies, or star tulips.

Diverse color range including white, yellow, pink, purple, and bluish hues.

Bulbous base with singular stem, vulnerable to temperatures below 28°F (-2°C).

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Care Guide for Mariposas

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Mariposas thrives in moderate moisture and prefers consistent hydration, requiring weekly watering. It can tolerate brief dry spells and flourishes outdoors during the growing season when rainfall meets its needs.

Propagation: The main propagation method for mariposas is seed sowing. Successful growth requires well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and full sun to partial shade. Key steps include sowing seeds in autumn, maintaining moisture, thinning seedlings, and protecting plants from extreme conditions and pests, with moderate care difficulty.

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Learn More About Mariposas

How to Grow and Care

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