What is Mariposa Lily?

Mariposa lily is a genus of plants containing 60 individual species. Members of this family, called the family Calochortus, belong to the family of Liliaceae plants. Mariposa lily is bulbous flowering plants that grow wildly in open forests and pastures. As garden and landscape plants, these lilies varieties are durable perennials with distinctive spring and early summer. Lily Mariposa species come from Western United States and Mexico.

lilies in the genus Calochortus generally grow to about 2 feet (60 cm) high. Flowers have a cup similar to tulip. The color of the flower varies greatly between species. One of the most sought -after features of Mariposa Lilia is the variety of colors and patterns inside the flowers, on the inner petals and the base of the flower structure in the shape of a bowl. Flowers bloom from spring to early summer.

Of the 60 species, there are several varieties commonly grown in gardens and landscape areas. As the name suggests, Kalochortus lUteus or yellow Mariposa lily produce yellow flowers with a dark brown center. Calochortus Superbus is a native of California with white or pale purple petals. Remarkable complex patterns inside each flower create a dramatic complement to the flower garden.

bulbs should be planted in the autumn before the first freezing. A place that has clay or sandy soil with good drainage is ideal, but light clay is usually tolerated. The bulbs are more likely to rot in heavy clay soil and in areas experiencing a period of standing water. Mariposa lily should be planted 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep, in clusters. These bulbs grow preferably in a place that gets at least six hours of the sun a day.

Mulch layer helps to maintain Mariposa lily bulbs protected during the winter. When the country freezes and melting, it can avoid and expose bulbs. The mulch layer acts to insulatesoil and reduced hot frost. The mulch should be spread up to 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). The material of organic mulch, such as straw, peat moss, chips, sawdust and folic mold or crushed leaves work well.

Mulch layer can be pulled out in the spring to provide the bulb. Planting bulbs in autumn is important in growing Mariposa lilies because it provides the necessary period of cold dormancy and gives bulbs a chance to set before the growing season. After planting, the plants usually return year after year, with little further care of the gardener.