Overview

Fritillaria is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Fritillaria, part of the Liliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Fritillaria grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.

About

Fritillaria is a genus of perennial bulbous plants in the Liliaceae family, known for their columnar upright habit and deciduous, elongated foliage. They produce distinctive bell-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers, which may appear singly or in clusters such as racemes or umbels. This cultivar thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, with a preference for well-drained conditions and a range of soil pH from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for rock gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as flower borders and beds, with interest in spring and summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Fritillaria

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Fritillaria size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Bulbs
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Fritillaria

Propagation
Seed, offsets
Pest resistance
Slugs, lily beetle
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Fritillaria?

Fritillaria prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Fritillaria need?

Fritillaria is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Fritillaria hardy in the UK?

Fritillaria has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Fritillaria?

Seed, offsets.

More in the Fritillaria genus

Browse all Fritillaria