Plant Description
Calochortus caeruleus (Kellogg) S. Wats. var. westonii (Eastw.) Ownbey, commonly known as Weston's Mariposa Lily, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Liliaceae. This plant species is native to California and grows in the foothills and mountains of the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Ranges, often found in rocky or dry soil. Its leaves are basal and grass-like, while its stem can reach up to 20 inches in height.
General Appearance
The Weston's Mariposa Lily has large, showy flowers with six petals ranging from deep blue to purple, measuring up to 3.5 inches across and with a distinct yellow center. The flower is bowl-shaped and slightly fragrant, blooming from mid-June to mid-July. The plant also has a bulb that can produce offset bulbs that can be removed to propagate more plants.
Uses
The Weston's Mariposa Lily is primarily used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its beautiful flowers. It is also traditionally used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes, such as the Mono and Yokut tribes, to treat various illnesses, including skin rashes and stomach ailments. However, it should be noted that consuming this plant can be toxic and should only be used under professional supervision.
Conclusion
The Weston's Mariposa Lily is a beautiful and unique plant that is native to California and is now cultivated in various parts of the world. Its stunning flowers and uses in medicine and landscaping make it an important plant species both culturally and aesthetically.
Growth Conditions for Calochortus caeruleus (Kellogg) S. Wats. var. westonii (Eastw.) Ownbey
Light: Calochortus caeruleus var. westonii thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. In the wild, it often grows in meadows and open grasslands where sunlight is abundant. When grown in gardens or containers, make sure to place the plant in an area with exposure to sufficient sunlight.
Temperature: This native plant of California grows well in moderate temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is capable of withstanding drought conditions and can tolerate extreme temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it needs a cool period in winter to promote proper growth and flowering. A temperature range of 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for this plant during its dormant period.
Soil: Calochortus caeruleus var. westonii requires well-drained soils with moderate fertility. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Sandy or sandy-loam soil with good drainage is ideal for the plant. Avoid heavy clay or wet soils as they tend to hold water, leading to root rot. Adding organic matter such as compost to the soil before planting improves soil aeration and water retention.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering during the growing season. Water the plant deeply and regularly once a week during the spring and summer months. Reduce watering in fall to minimize the risk of fungal diseases during winter. Avoid overwatering as it promotes root rot, which can kill the plant. During winter dormancy, it is best to keep the soil slightly dry to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilizer: Calochortus caeruleus var. westonii thrives in soil with moderate nutrients. During the plant's growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer every four to six weeks. Apply a slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season, and again in fall to promote healthy bulb formation. Do not apply fertilizer during winter dormancy.
Cultivation and Care of Calochortus caeruleus (Kellogg) S. Wats. var. westonii (Eastw.) Ownbey
Calochortus caeruleus (Kellogg) S. Wats. var. westonii (Eastw.) Ownbey, commonly known as blue mariposa lily, is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to California and Nevada. If you wish to cultivate this plant, you should consider the following guidelines:
Planting
The best time to plant Calochortus caeruleus (Kellogg) S. Wats. var. westonii (Eastw.) Ownbey is in the fall or early winter, just before the last frost. The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0, in a location that receives full to partial sunlight.
Watering Needs
Calochortus caeruleus (Kellogg) S. Wats. var. westonii (Eastw.) Ownbey is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, the plant needs to be watered well during the growing season. Water the plant about once every two weeks, or when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Calochortus caeruleus (Kellogg) S. Wats. var. westonii (Eastw.) Ownbey does not require a lot of fertilization. You can fertilize the plant once a year with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus, which promotes the growth of the plant's flowers.
Pruning
Calochortus caeruleus (Kellogg) S. Wats. var. westonii (Eastw.) Ownbey does not require pruning. However, you can deadhead the plant after the flowers are spent, to encourage the growth of new flowers and maintain the plant's appearance.
Propagation of Calochortus caeruleus var. westonii
Calochortus caeruleus var. westonii can be propagated via several methods:
Bulb Division:
The plant can be propagated using bulb division. In the fall, when the bulbs are dormant, they can be carefully lifted out and the bulblets at the bottom can be separated, replanted and kept slightly moist until they establish roots.
Seeds:
The plant can also be propagated using seeds. The seeds are best sown in moist soil in the fall, just after they have been harvested. The bed should be kept moist but not water-logged. Seeds will take around two years to germinate. The young plants may be transplanted the following year once they have developed some size.
Tissue Culture:
While tissue culture is a more specialized method of propagation, it is employed by some nurseries and botanical gardens. The method involves taking tissue samples from the plant and growing them in a sterile medium. This method results in the production of plantlets that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease management
Calochortus caeruleus var. westonii is generally resistant to diseases. However, if the weather is humid, the plant may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and powdery mildew.
To manage rust, remove infected leaves and dispose of them away from the plant. Make sure to keep the plant's foliage dry and improve air circulation by pruning nearby plants or thinning out crowded areas. For powdery mildew, apply a fungicide as soon as you notice the symptoms. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label.
Pest management
Calochortus caeruleus var. westonii may also be vulnerable to insect pests like aphids, thrips, and mites.
To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Beneficial insects like ladybugs can also help control their population. For thrips and mites, apply an insecticide that contains neem oil or insecticidal soap. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label and apply it during the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler.
