About
Fritillaria persica, the Persian lily, is a stately, spring-flowering bulbous perennial to around 1 m tall with grey-green, lance-shaped leaves on erect stems. Up to 30 pendant, narrow, bell-shaped, dark brownish-purple or plum-purple flowers are held in erect racemes in spring � one of the most elegant of all the larger fritillaries for a sunny, well-drained border.
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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden
Native toTurkey to Iran Israel
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
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Will tolerate hotter sites than other Fritillaria
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by dividing offsets late summer. Seeds require a cold period before germination, sow seeds in containers in a cold frame
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and lily beetle
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free