Overview
Fritillaria lusitanica is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Fritillaria, part of the Liliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Fritillaria lusitanica 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.
About
Fritillaria lusitanica, known as the Iberian fritillary, is a bulbous perennial from the Liliaceae family. It features a columnar upright habit with deciduous, elongated foliage and produces bell-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers in spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in full sun and can be grown in a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. Suitable for rock gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as flower borders and beds, it is hardy to UK zone H7 and can be propagated by seed or offsets.
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
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 lusitanica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fritillaria lusitanica
- Propagation
- Seed, offsets
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, lily beetle
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Fritillaria lusitanica?
Fritillaria lusitanica prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Fritillaria lusitanica need?
Fritillaria lusitanica grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Fritillaria lusitanica hardy in the UK?
Fritillaria lusitanica 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 lusitanica?
Seed, offsets.
More in the Fritillaria genus
- Fritillaria cirrhosayellow Himalayan fritillary
- Fritillaria hermonis from Jebel esh Sharqui Mtns, Lebanon