About
Martha Roderick' is a bulbous perennial to 30cm tall, with glossy lance-shaped leaves and deep reddish-purple, bell-shaped flowers, each tepal white in the outer half, opening in early spring.
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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Conservatory Greenhouse, Bulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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
CultivationGrow in a well-drained soil and full sun, with shelter from rain. Ideal to grow in a cold greenhouse or bulb frame in order to keep bulbs almost dry when dormant. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit and leaf mould
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn in a cold frame. Expose to winter cold until germination in spring, then transfer to a cold greenhouse. Divide offsets in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and lily beetle
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free