About
Fritillaria pontica, the Pontic fritillary, is a spring-flowering bulb to around 45 cm tall producing stems clothed with lance-shaped, grey-green leaves and bearing small, broadly bell-shaped green flowers, often flushed with brown, to 4.5 cm long. A charming and reliable species for a well-drained, sunny border or rock garden.
About the genus
Fritillaria are bulbous herbaceous perennials with lance-shaped or linear leaves and nodding, bell-shaped or cup-shaped flowers in a wide range of colours � from white and yellow to orange, purple, brown and green, often with chequered or mottled markings. They range from stately crown imperials to delicate alpine species.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
Native toEurope to Turkey
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 well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; avoid excessive winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of offsets in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and lily beetle
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free