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Description
Calochortus Catalinae, commonly known as the Catalina Mariposa Lily, is a native plant of California. It belongs to the Liliaceae family and is a herbaceous perennial that blooms in the spring. The plant’s name, Catalinae, is derived from its origin on Santa Catalina Island.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Calochortus |
Appearance
The Catalina Mariposa Lily has a distinctive appearance. The plant can grow up to one foot tall and has narrow, grass-like leaves that are about six inches long. The flowers are large and showy, ranging in color from white to pink or lavender. The petals are often marked with dark spots or stripes. The bloom time for this plant is typically from March to May.
Care Guide
Calochortus Catalinae is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be overwatered.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help encourage blooms.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calochortus Catalinae is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Aphids may also occasionally infest the plant, but can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The Catalina Mariposa Lily is native to California and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I plant Calochortus Catalinae in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it has well-drained soil and gets plenty of sunlight.
Q: How often should I water my Calochortus Catalinae?
A: The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: Can I propagate Calochortus Catalinae?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in the fall.
Q: When should I fertilize my Calochortus Catalinae?
A: A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help encourage blooms.
Related Plants
- Calochortus albus
- Calochortus clavatus
- Calochortus plummerae
- Calochortus tolmiei
References
- “Calochortus catalinae.” Pacific Bulb Society. http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/CalochortusCatalinae.
- “Calochortus catalinae.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Calochortus+catalinae.
- “Catalina Mariposa Lily.” Las Pilitas Nursery. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/251–calochortus-catalinae.
