Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' (Fritillary) — Bulbous perennial

Overview

Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' is a bulbous perennial in the genus Fritillaria, part of the Liliaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loamy and clay soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and ornamental. It is native to Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northern India and Himalayan foothills.

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

A bulbous perennial in the Liliaceae, Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' reaches roughly 1.0 m and produces the familiar crown of pendant flowers associated with imperial fritillaries. It is native across a broad band of Asia — Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, northern India and the Himalayan foothills — and appears in cultivation primarily for its dramatic flower form. In the UK it flowers from March to May. Position the bulbs in full sun where the soil is moist but well-drained; it tolerates loamy and clay soils provided they do not remain waterlogged. H5 hardiness means the bulbs are hardy in most UK gardens, so plantings can remain in the ground year-round where frost is not extreme. Keep the site free of excessive winter saturation to avoid bulb rot. At about 1.0 m tall, 'Inodora' gives vertical emphasis in mixed borders and can be used as an upright focal point in rock or formal ornamental beds. Use it where a strong structural spring feature is needed; because it lacks the usual fritillary scent, it can be sited closer to terraces or seating areas without the characteristic odour of other crown imperials.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Fritillaria

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Bulbous perennial
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, ornamental
Native to: Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northern India, Himalayan foothills
Fragrance: Odorless (unlike typical Fritillaria imperialis)

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora'

Cultivation: Plant bulbs in autumn, in well-drained soil; protect from rodents; requires full sun
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation; cut back foliage after it yellows
Propagation: By bulbs offsets or seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora'?

Plant bulbs in autumn, in well-drained soil; protect from rodents; requires full sun.

Where is the best place to plant Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora'?

Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' need?

Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' grows best in loamy and clay soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora'?

Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation; cut back foliage after it yellows.

How big does Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' grow?

Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Fritillaria imperialis 'Inodora' hardy in the UK?

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