About
Fritillaria davisii, Davis' fritillary, is a small bulbous perennial from Greece reaching to around 15 cm tall with broadly lance-shaped, bright-green leaves. In early spring, 1�3 nodding, campanulate flowers are produced � dark purplish-brown on the outside with a yellowish-green, purple-chequered interior. A charming and ornamental fritillary for a sunny, well-drained rock garden.
About the genus
Fritillaria, the fritillaries, 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, in a wide range of colours from white and yellow to deep purple. They grow in a range of habitats from meadows to rocky mountain slopes.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toS Greece
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
CultivationNeeds a moderately fertile, very well-drained soil and is intolerant of wet when dormant
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate from seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn. Needs exposure to winter cold for germination in spring. Divide offsets in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and lily beetle
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free