Late-Blooming Mariposa Lily

(Calochortus fimbriatus)

Late-Blooming Mariposa Lily (Calochortus fimbriatus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 14" - 59"
High Temp. 69°F - 91°F
Low Temp. 32°F - 44°F
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Summary

Calochortus fimbriatus, commonly known as Late-blooming Mariposa Lily, is a bulb-forming perennial herb native to the serpentine soils of open woodlands and grasslands within the coastal mountain ranges of southern Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and northern Ventura counties in California. It typically grows 12 to 43 inches tall and produces distinctive bowl-shaped flowers from late June to mid-August. The flowers are tan or cream-colored with yellowish insides, often flecked with dark purple and covered in fine hairs, which are particularly showy and attract a variety of pollinators.

Late-blooming Mariposa Lily is valued for its unique and attractive flowers, which can add an exotic touch to rock gardens, native plant gardens, and wildflower meadows. It is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of its native range, requiring little water once established and thriving in well-drained soils with full sun to light shade. While it is not commonly used in urban planting, it can be a beautiful addition to naturalistic settings. After wildfires, which are a natural part of its ecosystem, it often blooms more vigorously, an adaptation to its fire-prone habitat. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from herbivores and is best propagated by seed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Bulb
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White, Pink
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to serpentine soils of open woodlands and grasslands within the coastal mountain ranges of California

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: Calochortus fimbriatus, Calochortus weedii var. purpurascens, Calochortus weedii var. vestus, Cyclobothra vesta

GBIF Accepted Name: Calochortus fimbriatus