Overview
Fritillaria meleagroides is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Fritillaria, part of the Liliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.4 metres tall. Fritillaria meleagroides 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 meleagroides is a Eurasian species of flowering plant in the lily family Liliaceae, native to Xinjiang, Russia (Altay Krai, Western Siberia Krai, European Russia, North Caucasus), Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. Fritillaria meleagroides is a bulb-producing perennial up to 40 cm tall. The leaves are linear, alternate, up to 15 cm long. The flowers are nodding (hanging), bell-shaped, dark purple or brownish-purple. In the garden it prefers full sun and sandy and loamy soil. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include rock garden, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fritillaria meleagroides
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 meleagroides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.4 metres
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fritillaria meleagroides
- Propagation
- Seed, offsets
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, lily beetle
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Fritillaria meleagroides?
Fritillaria meleagroides prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Fritillaria meleagroides need?
Fritillaria meleagroides 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 meleagroides grow?
Fritillaria meleagroides reaches a height of 0.4 metres.
Is Fritillaria meleagroides hardy in the UK?
Fritillaria meleagroides 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 meleagroides?
Seed, offsets.
More in the Fritillaria genus
- Fritillaria cirrhosayellow Himalayan fritillary
- Fritillaria hermonis from Jebel esh Sharqui Mtns, Lebanon