Overview
Fritillaria persica is a bulbous perennial in the genus Fritillaria, part of the Liliaceae family. Fritillaria persica grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers. It is native to Turkey to Iran Israel.
About
Fritillaria persica is a bulbous perennial in the lily family that flowers in spring (March to May). It is native from Turkey to Iran and Israel. Plants suit well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to alkaline pH and prefer full sun to partial shade. Bulbs are ornamental and should not be eaten; wear gloves when handling.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fritillaria persica
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 persica (Persian lily) is a bulbous perennial in the Liliaceae, originating from regions between Turkey and Iran through to Israel. It comes into bloom in spring, between March and May, making it a spring-flowering addition to seasonal displays. The species is classed as H5 in UK hardiness ratings, which translates to hardy across most of the United Kingdom but best planted where soil does not remain waterlogged. For cultivation place bulbs where they receive full sun or partial shade and where the soil drains freely; sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to alkaline pH are most suitable. Keep soil moisture moderate and free-draining rather than persistently wet. Avoid heavy, compacted soils unless you plant on raised beds or in containers with a free-draining compost. Use Persian lily to create vertical accents in mixed borders, to punctuate a rock garden or to bring spring interest to containers placed in a sunny spot. Note that the bulbs are ornamental and not to be eaten; handle with gloves and other protective equipment and keep bulbs away from children and pets — consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Fritillaria
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate, well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Fritillaria persica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, containers
- Native to
- Turkey to Iran Israel
- Toxicity
- Ornamental 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
Pruning and caring for Fritillaria persica
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn, 10-15 cm deep. Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stems after flowering to tidy the plant.
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed or bulb offsets.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Fritillaria persica?
Plant bulbs in autumn, 10-15 cm deep. Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Fritillaria persica?
Fritillaria persica prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Fritillaria persica need?
Fritillaria persica grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate to well-drained.
How do I prune Fritillaria persica?
Remove spent flower stems after flowering to tidy the plant.
Is Fritillaria persica hardy in the UK?
Fritillaria persica has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Fritillaria persica?
Propagation by seed or bulb offsets.
Is Fritillaria persica toxic?
Ornamental 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.
More in the Fritillaria genus
- Fritillaria cirrhosayellow Himalayan fritillary
- Fritillaria hermonis from Jebel esh Sharqui Mtns, Lebanon