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How to Grow Orcutt's Mariposa Lily

Orcutt's Mariposa Lily

Calochortus weedii

flower

Calochortus weedii is a rare and striking wildflower native to San Diego County, California, featuring delicate, nodding yellow flowers with distinctive purple-brown markings and a hairy interior. This bulbous perennial typically grows 12-24 inches tall and blooms in late spring with cup-shaped flowers that attract native pollinators. It is considered a sensitive species due to its limited natural range and is challenging to cultivate outside its native habitat.

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Example Orcutt's Mariposa Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Orcutt's Mariposa Lily

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Orcutt's Mariposa Lily blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Orcutt's Mariposa Lily dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hotter climates
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Water: Moderate water during growing season (fall-spring); allow to dry out completely during summer dormancy. Water sparingly; overwatering is a primary cause of bulb rot. In cultivation, withhold water entirely after flowering until bulbs are dormant.
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Spacing: 4-6 inches
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Days to maturity: Variable; blooms in second or third year from seed after establishment
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Planting depth: Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep; sow seeds on soil surface or just barely covered

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy to gravelly loam with excellent drainage
pH: 6.5-7.5
Amendments:
Coarse sand Perlite Gravel or grit for drainage Avoid heavy organic matter

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9b-10a; requires Mediterranean or semi-arid conditions similar to its native San Diego habitat

9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Bulb Dormancy

3-4 months

Bulbs remain dormant underground during hot, dry summers (June-September), storing energy for next season's growth

Keep bulbs in cool, dry storage or planted in well-draining medium with no supplemental water. Protect from excessive heat and moisture.

2

Emergence & Vegetative Growth

4-6 months

Thin, grass-like foliage emerges in fall (September-October), growing steadily through winter and early spring with minimal above-ground activity initially

Ensure cool temperatures (50-65°F) support slow growth. Water moderately as growth emerges; maintain excellent drainage. Protect from frost in exposed areas.

3

Bud Formation & Flowering

6-8 weeks

Flower buds develop on elongated stems reaching 12-24 inches; delicate nodding yellow flowers with purple-brown markings and hairy inner tepals open in late spring (April-May)

Provide consistent but moderate moisture during bud and bloom. Stake tall stems if needed. Pollinate flowers manually or allow native pollinators access. Reduce watering as flowers fade.

4

Seed Development & Senescence

4-6 weeks

Flowers fade and erect seed capsules develop; foliage yellows and dies back as plant enters dormancy in late spring/early summer

Allow seed pods to mature on plant if collecting seed for propagation. Gradually reduce water. Do not fertilize. Let foliage die back naturally.

5

Complete Dormancy

3-4 months

All above-ground growth has died back; bulbs rest underground in a cool, dry state until fall

Withhold all water. Keep soil completely dry. Protect from temperature fluctuations and excessive heat. Mulch lightly if needed in colder zones for frost protection.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

California buckwheat Desert marigold Penstemon species California fuchsia Sage species Lupine

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive water-lovers (hostas, astilbe) Heavy feeders that enrich soil (nitrogen-fixing legumes in close proximity) Plants requiring consistent summer moisture Dense shade-casting shrubs

Common Pests

  • Maintain excellent drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove affected bulbs. Store bulbs in cool, dry conditions. Fungicide/miticide dips may help with severely infested stock.

  • and

    Hand-pick; create barriers with gritty mulch. Use copper tape or slug baits sparingly in gardens. Encourage natural predators.

  • Prevention is key: ensure excellent drainage, avoid overhead watering, provide good air circulation. Remove infected bulbs immediately. Apply sulfur dust to stored bulbs.

  • and

    Hand-pick or use row covers. Natural predators and neem oil spray may help in severe cases.

Uses

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Native pollinator support

Wildlife

Calochortus weedii attracts native bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators that evolved with California wildflowers. Restoring this species in appropriate habitats supports regional pollinator populations. [source]

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Ornamental garden display

Craft

The delicate, intricately marked flowers are prized by collectors and California native plant enthusiasts for specialized garden displays, rock gardens, and botanic collections that mimic Mediterranean conditions. [source]

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Biodiversity conservation

Household

Growing rare native species like C. weedii in cultivation helps preserve genetic diversity and reduces pressure on wild populations. Restoration programs use cultivated stock to reintroduce the species. [source]

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Historical ethnobotanical significance

Culinary

Historically, some Calochortus species' bulbs were harvested by Native Americans as a food source, though C. weedii is now protected and harvesting is not recommended or legal. [source]

Harvest Tips

Allow seed pods to mature fully on the plant (late spring/early summer) before collecting. Cut or carefully remove dried seed capsules when brown and papery. Dry further indoors and extract seeds. Seeds require cold stratification (4-8 weeks at 40°F) before sowing in fall. Do not harvest wild plants; only collect seed from cultivated specimens.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The name 'Mariposa' means 'butterfly' in Spanish, referring to the butterfly-like appearance of the flower's delicate, patterned petals.
  • 🌱 Calochortus weedii is endemic to a tiny area of San Diego County and is listed as sensitive by California; it is threatened by habitat loss and is one of the most difficult bulbs to cultivate outside its native ecosystem.
  • 🌱 The hairy interior of the flower (especially the nectary glands) plays a crucial role in attracting and guiding specific native bee pollinators to the flower's reproductive structures.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Perennial
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