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Description
Calochortus Palmeri, also known as Palmer’s mariposa lily, is a species of flowering plant native to California. It belongs to the Liliaceae family and is known for its beautiful and delicate flowers. The name “mariposa” means butterfly in Spanish, which is fitting since the flower’s petals resemble butterfly wings.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Calochortus |
| Species | Palmeri |
Appearance
Calochortus Palmeri grows up to 30 cm tall and has grass-like leaves that are green and narrow. The flowers are the main attraction and typically bloom in the spring. They are cup-shaped and range in color from white to pink or lavender. The petals have a distinctive fringed edge and yellow hairs near the base. The flower’s center is adorned with a ring of hairs and stamens.
Care Guide
Calochortus Palmeri is relatively easy to care for but does require specific conditions to thrive. Here are a few tips for keeping your Palmer’s mariposa lily healthy:- Water: Water regularly during the growing season but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant goes dormant.- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.- Sunlight: Calochortus Palmeri prefers full sun to partial shade. Too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and not flower.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calochortus Palmeri can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap to control infestations.- Thrips: Thrips can cause distorted flowers and leaves. Use a systemic insecticide to control infestations.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and plant in well-draining soil.
Habitat
Calochortus Palmeri is native to California and can be found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Calochortus Palmeri be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Calochortus Palmeri can be grown in containers but make sure the pot has drainage holes and is filled with well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Calochortus Palmeri?
A: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.
Q: Does Calochortus Palmeri need a lot of water?
A: Calochortus Palmeri needs regular watering during the growing season but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Q: When do Calochortus Palmeri flowers bloom?
A: Calochortus Palmeri flowers typically bloom in the spring.
Related Plants
Here are a few related plants to consider:- Calochortus albus (White mariposa lily)- Calochortus catalinae (Catalina mariposa lily)- Calochortus leichtlinii (Leichtlin’s mariposa lily)- Calochortus tolmiei (Tolmie’s mariposa lily)
References
– “Calochortus Palmeri.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 1 June 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAPA8.- “Calochortus Palmeri.” Pacific Bulb Society. Accessed 1 June 2021. https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/CalochortusPalmeri.- “Calochortus Palmeri.” San Marcos Growers. Accessed 1 June 2021. https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=712.
