Often referred to as ‘fairy lanterns’ and ‘butterfly tulips’, the delicate, crepe-paper petals of Calochortus ‘Cupido’ flutter daintily on the breeze.

Calochortus is derived from the Greek meaning ‘beautiful grass’ – a fitting name for the fine, wispy, chive-like foliage crowned by violet-pink, bowl-shaped blooms. Native to California, these pretty, drought-tolerant blooms are rarely seen in the UK, but despite the fragile-looking flowers, this variety is surprisingly robust.

Calochortus ‘Cupido’ will thrive on any free-draining soil, given protection from the worst of the winter wet. A lovely addition to soften rockeries and containers displays.