About
A bulbous perennial, to 20cm tall, with lance-shaped, pale green leaves and, in spring, nodding, square-edged green flowers with purple flashes and recurved petal tips.
About the genus
Fritillaria are bulbous herbaceous perennials with lance-shaped or linear leaves and nodding bell-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers that may be solitary or in racemes or umbels
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden
Native toS Turkey
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationA tolerant species suitable for a sunny border or rock garden. Needs fertile, well-drained soil and full sun
PruningCut back when foliage turns yellow at the end of the season
PropagationPropagate from seed sown in autumn in a cold frame. Expose to winter cold until germination in spring, then transfer to a cold greenhouse. Grow on for 2 years in containers. Divide offsets, or collect and sow bulbils in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and lily beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to lily disease (Botrytis elliptica) and virus diseases