Overview
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Fritillaria, part of the Liliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Fritillaria cirrhosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock garden, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Qinghai, Tibet and West Himalaya.
About
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a bulbous spring-flowering plant with a columnar, upright habit reaching about 0.5 m. It is deciduous and produces its seasonal flowers in March to May. The plant suits full sun and prefers moist but well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7).
About the genus
Fritillaria (fritillaries) is a genus of spring flowering herbaceous bulbous perennial plants in the lily family (Liliaceae). The type species, Fritillaria meleagris, was first described in Europe in 1571, while other species from the Middle East and Asia were also introduced to Europe at that time. The genus has about 130–140 species divided among eight subgenera.
Wikipedia contributors, "Fritillaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fritillaria
In the garden
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a bulb in the lily family that originates from montane Asia, including regions of China, the Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. Plants form a single, upright stem to roughly 0.5 m with deciduous foliage and a spring flowering period from March to May. Give this bulb a sunny site in soil that drains yet retains some moisture; sandy or loamy soils are ideal. It tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH and will grow on south-, north-, east- or west-facing positions, in both exposed and sheltered locations. In UK terms H7 means it is fully hardy and will withstand winter conditions across the country; in North America its USDA range is 4–8. Use Fritillaria cirrhosa in rock gardens, cottage and informal plantings or mixed flower borders where a tall, narrow spring element is wanted. Because the species is a bulb, expect a clear seasonal cycle: it flowers in March to May and then the foliage dies back as the bulb enters summer dormancy, so note the planting position if it is mixed with later-growing perennials.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Fritillaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Fritillaria cirrhosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- China North-Central, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Qinghai, Tibet, West Himalaya
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fritillaria cirrhosa
- Propagation
- Seed, offsets
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, lily beetle
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Fritillaria cirrhosa?
Fritillaria cirrhosa prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Fritillaria cirrhosa need?
Fritillaria cirrhosa grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Fritillaria cirrhosa grow?
Fritillaria cirrhosa reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Fritillaria cirrhosa hardy in the UK?
Fritillaria cirrhosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Fritillaria cirrhosa?
Seed, offsets.