Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey, also known as Panamint mariposa lily, is a bulbous perennial plant from the family Liliaceae.
Origin
The plant is native to rocky slopes and meadows of the Panamint Mountains in Eastern California, USA, and can also be found in parts of Nevada.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Panamint mariposa lily, Panamint cat's ear, or Inyo mariposa lily.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 2 feet tall with a slender stem, and its leaves are narrow and basal. The flowers are large, showy, and cup-shaped, measuring approximately 3 inches across. They are typically pink in color, with darker pink veins, and sometimes a dark spot at the base. The plant blooms between April and May.
Uses
The plant is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in traditional medicine by some Native American tribes. The bulb is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat conditions such as swellings and sore eyes.
Light Requirements
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey prefers to grow under full sun or partial shade. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it may affect the flowering rate and overall growth. Too much shade can cause the plant to elongate and reach for light, which can compromise its stability and aesthetic appeal. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the species in areas where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey is between 15-28°C (59-82°F). The plant can tolerate light frost and hot weather, but it may struggle to survive in extreme conditions. Temperatures below 13°C (55°F) can affect the growth rate and delay flowering. Meanwhile, temperatures above 32°C (89°F) can cause the plant to wilt, dry out and die. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the temperature and ensure that the plant has adequate protection from extreme weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey prefers well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients and organic matter. The species is commonly found in sandy or gravelly soils that are slightly alkaline or neutral (pH range of 6.5 - 7.5). The plant can tolerate drought, but it requires occasional watering during the growing season to maintain its health and vitality. Overwatering can cause the root system to rot and compromise the plant's growth. Therefore, it is necessary to water the soil only when it is dry to the touch, and avoid leaving it too moist for extended periods of time. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help to retain moisture and prevent soil erosion.
Cultivation Methods
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey grows well in full sun or partial shade, and it prefers to be planted in well-draining soil. The best time to plant bulbs is in the fall, and they should be planted at a depth of around three inches. This species tends to be quite hardy and tolerant of a range of growing conditions, so it should do well in most gardens.
Watering Needs
This plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but it is important not to overwater. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and it is a good idea to let the soil dry out a little between waterings. In the winter, it is best to reduce watering to prevent the bulbs from rotting.
Fertilization
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a little boost during the growing season. A general-purpose fertilizer should be applied every two to three weeks. Alternatively, bone meal or bulb fertilizer can be added to the soil when planting.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but it can be done after flowering is finished. The stems can be cut back to tidy up the plant's appearance, but this is not a requirement for the health of the plant. If spent flower heads are not removed, seed pods will form and the plant may self-seed in the surrounding area.
Propagation of Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey can propagate both sexually and asexually. Here are some propagation methods for this plant:
Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from the plant in the fall when the seed pods have dried. After collecting the seeds, plant them in well-draining soil in a sunny location. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. It may take up to a year for the seeds to germinate, so be patient.
Bulbs
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey can also be propagated through bulbs. Bulbs can be divided in the fall after the foliage has died back. Each section of the bulb should have at least one dormant bud. Plant the bulbs in well-draining soil in a sunny location. The bulbs should be planted so that the top is even with the soil surface. Keep the soil moist until the bulbs have established themselves.
Bulbils
Bulbils are small, bulb-like structures that grow at the base of the parent plant. These can be used to propagate Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey. To propagate using bulbils, carefully dig them up in the fall and plant them in well-draining soil in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist until the bulbils have established themselves.
Disease Management
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey is generally disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to some fungal diseases such as Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora cinnamomi.
To prevent the occurrence and spread of these diseases, maintain soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and keep the plant healthy by providing good nutrition and air circulation. For infected plants, remove the infected parts and treat with fungicides like copper fungicide or neem oil.
Pest Management
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. panamintensis Ownbey may be affected by various pests, particularly bulb mites, thrips, and bulb flies.
To avoid bulb mites, keep soil moist but not wet, and avoid planting the bulbs too closely. For thrips, use sticky traps or introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. To prevent bulb flies, remove any dead or decaying matter around the plant base, and apply appropriate insecticides to the soil and foliage.
Regular monitoring of the plant, keeping the foliage and soil clean, and maintaining a healthy environment can also help prevent pest infestations.
