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Calochortus venustus Butterfly mariposa lily (1 Page of 5) The Calochortus venustus plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California. It is a member of the Calochortaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Butterfly mariposa lily. Some home gardeners know the variety as C. purpurascens. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Calochortus venustus Common Name: Butterfly mariposa lily Family: Calochortaceae Author: Benth. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 0.6 Mature Width: 0.1 Habitat: Light sandy soil, often decomposed granite, below 2400 metres[71, 90]. In grassland and in mixed evergreen forests[90, 200].
Cultivation Notes: Requires a deep very well-drained fertile sandy soil in a sunny position and must be kept rather dry from when the bulb flowers until late winter[1, 90, 200].
This is a rather difficult plant to cultivate in Britain, it is very cold hardy but is intolerant of wetness especially in the winter[1, 90]. It is easiest to grow in a bulb frame but is worth trying outdoors at the base of a south-facing wall, especially with shrubs that like these conditions[120]. It should not be crowded by other plants[214].
Bulbs can be lifted as soon as the foliage dies down in the summer and stored overwinter in a cool dry place, replanting in spring[138]. Another report says that they should be replanted immediately[1].
Bulbs frequently divide after flowering, the bulblets taking 2 years to reach flowering size[200].
Hand pollination is necessary if seed is required[1].
For further Calochortus venustus gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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