Overview
Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' is a bulbous perennial in the genus Fritillaria, part of the Liliaceae family. Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' 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 southern Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus and Israel.
About
Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' is a bulbous perennial in the lily family that bears tall, freely flowering spikes of narrow, conical blooms. Flowers appear from March to May and vary from deep purple to greenish-brown. Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy soil in a south-facing, sheltered spot with full sun or partial shade. Wear gloves when handling the bulbs; they are ornamental and must not be eaten.
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 'Adiyaman' is a selected form of a Middle Eastern fritillary native to southern Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus and Israel. This cultivar tends to produce taller stems and more abundant flowering than many wild populations, carrying multiple narrow, conical flowers on each spike. Its flowering season in the UK is March to May. Choose a south-facing, sheltered position with full sun or partial shade. The bulbs perform best in well-drained sandy or loamy soils that are neutral to alkaline and kept at moderate moisture; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. The plant is rated H5 (hardy), so it will withstand typical UK winters when planted in a free-draining site and given a degree of shelter from prevailing winds. Use Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' where its tall flower spikes can be seen: at the back of borders, in gravel or rock gardens, or in containers placed in a sunny, protected spot. The bulbs are ornamental and not for consumption—wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling them. Pets should not eat the bulbs; see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers. Expect each bulb to produce a single upright stem bearing several narrow, bell-shaped flowers through March to May.
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
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, containers
- Native to
- southern Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, 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 'Adiyaman'
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of 10-15 cm. Requires well-drained soil and a sunny position. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation; cut back foliage after it dies down naturally.
- Propagation
- By seed or bulb offsets
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman'?
Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of 10-15 cm. Requires well-drained soil and a sunny position. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman'?
Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' need?
Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman'?
Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation; cut back foliage after it dies down naturally.
Is Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' hardy in the UK?
Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' 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 'Adiyaman'?
By seed or bulb offsets.
Is Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' 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