Overview
Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis (St. John) Ownbey is a beautiful perennial wildflower that belongs to the lily family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as open grasslands, forests, and meadows.
Common Names
Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis is commonly known as Selway Mariposa Lily, Elegant Mariposa Lily, and Elegant-cat's-ears.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and displays beautiful flowers that vary in color from purple to pink, with yellow centers. The petals of the Selway Mariposa Lily are adorned with several dark spots, giving it a unique appearance. The plant produces both basal leaves and stems with bracts and cauline leaves.
Uses
The Selway Mariposa Lily has been used traditionally in Native American medicine for treating various ailments such as colds and stomach pains. The plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities and is often cultivated in gardens.
Light Conditions
The Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis (St. John) Ownbey plant requires bright and direct sunlight to thrive. It is suitable for growing in regions that experience full sun exposure or at least 6 hours of bright sunlight daily. When growing indoors, it is advisable to place the plant near south-facing windows that receive adequate sunlight to support its growth.
Temperature Conditions
The plant can adapt to a variety of temperature ranges, including those experienced in its native habitat, which is the subalpine and alpine zones. The ideal temperature range for the Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis is between 60°F and 75°F during the day and a decrease of 10-15°F at night. At temperatures above 75°F, the plant may become stressed and may require frequent watering and maintenance.
Soil Conditions
The plant requires well-draining soil that can retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. The ideal soil type for this plant should contain a mixture of organic and inorganic matter that provides adequate drainage and moisture retention. A pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is suitable for optimal growth. When planting, it is advisable to amend the soil with organic matter such as peat moss or compost to improve its texture and nutrient content.
Cultivation of Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis
Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis is a beautiful plant with showy purple flowers that belong to the family of Liliaceae. This plant grows well in USDA zones 6 to 9, and it prefers a well-draining soil mix, such as sandy loam with a pH of 6 to 7.5. It thrives in partial shade or full sun, but it requires protection from the intense afternoon sun in hotter regions.
Watering Needs of Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis
It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged throughout the plant's growing season. The watering frequency and amount depend on various factors, such as soil drainage, humidity, temperature, and sunlight exposure. As a rule of thumb, water the plant thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Avoid watering the leaves and flowers, which may cause them to rot or become diseased.
Fertilization of Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis
Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis benefits from a light application of a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring when the plant starts actively growing. Repeat the feeding once or twice more during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning of Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis
Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis does not require regular pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to snip the flowers just above the first set of healthy leaves. In late fall, after the leaves have turned yellow and died back naturally, it is safe to cut down the stem to the ground level, which promotes tidiness and helps prevent disease buildup.
Propagation Methods for Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis (St. John) Ownbey
Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis (St. John) Ownbey, commonly known as Selway mariposa lily, is a perennial plant that belongs to the lily family. It is native to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Idaho and Montana, where it grows in meadows, open forests, and subalpine habitats. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and the most popular propagation method for Calochortus elegans var. selwayensis is through seeds. Collect mature seeds in the fall once the capsules have dried and turned brown. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix in the early spring while keeping the soil moist and placing it in a warm area under bright light. It takes approximately 2-3 years for the plant to reach maturity from the seed stage.
Dividing Clumps
Another propagation method for Calochortus elegans var. selwayensis is through dividing clumps. Division should be done in the fall after the leaves have died back. Carefully dig up the clump, gently shake off excess soil, and divide the clumps into smaller sections with roots. Plant each smaller section in the well-draining soil kept moist in a new location.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is another propagation method used for Calochortus elegans var. selwayensis. This method requires sterile conditions, which can be achieved by using the right equipment and sterilizing all tools and materials thoroughly. The best time for tissue culture propagation is in the early spring when the plant is actively growing.
Conclusion
Propagation of Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis (St. John) Ownbey can be done through seed, dividing clumps, and tissue culture. Depending on the method chosen, propagation can take up to two years for the plant to mature. However, seed propagation is the quickest and most popular propagation method for this plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis
While Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis, also known as Selway mariposa lily, is generally resistant to pests and diseases, it can still face some issues that gardeners need to address properly to maintain their plants' health.
Pests
One of the common pests that affect Calochortus elegans is the bulb mite. It can be identified by the discolored and withered look of the plant. To manage this pest, gardeners should remove and destroy any infected bulbs and reduce the soil moisture as it can facilitate bulb mite growth. Additionally, gardeners can apply an insecticide with a miticidal effect effectively as a preventative measure.
Another pest to watch out for is the onion thrips, which cause scarring on the petals and leaves. Gardeners can control it by using sticky traps or neem oil-based pesticides. Neem oil-based products are organic, and they do not harm beneficial insects and other non-target organisms.
Diseases
Pink rot disease is a common fungal disease that affects Selway mariposa lilies. Symptoms of this disease include black or brown coloration and hollowed bulbs. To avoid the spread of pink rot, gardeners should ensure that the soil is well-drained, and bulbs are planted in well-aerated soil. In some cases, an application of fungicide could be used to prevent further spread of the disease.
Root rot is another fungal disease that affects Selway mariposa lilies. The disease can be identified by the mushy and black appearance of the roots. To manage root rot, gardeners should avoid over watering and planting in areas with poor drainage. Treatments may include the removal of affected bulbs and applying a fungicide to promote plant healing.
Conclusion
Calochortus elegans Pursh var. selwayensis is generally a low maintenance plant. However, gardeners should regularly monitor their plants for any pests or diseases. Early identification and appropriate management are crucial to maintain their plant's health. Applying integrated pest and disease management techniques, such as cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control measures, can minimize plant damage and increase the lifespan of the plants in your garden.
