Overview
Fritillaria verticillata is a perennial bulb in the genus Fritillaria, part of the Liliaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Fritillaria verticillata grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to S Siberia to Japan.
About
Fritillaria verticillata is a perennial bulb in the lily family that bears nodding, bell-shaped flowers above a stem of leaves arranged mostly in whorls. Plants reach about 0.6 m and flower in spring. The pendant blooms are white to pale yellow and can show purple spotting. It prefers a sunny, well-drained site in sandy or loamy soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fritillaria verticillata
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 verticillata is a perennial bulb in the Liliaceae, native from southern Siberia through to Japan. Individual stems carry a cluster of whorled leaves and usually one nodding bell-shaped flower, though a few stems can produce several blooms; flowering occurs from March to May. Plants grow to approximately 0.6 m. Give Fritillaria verticillata a sunny position in sandy or loamy, free-draining ground; it tolerates soils that remain moist provided water does not sit at the bulb. In UK hardiness terms it is H7 (fully hardy), so bulbs can be left in the ground through winter across the country. The USDA hardiness range of 4–8 offers a further reference point for growers outside the UK. Place it where spring height of around 0.6 m fits the scheme — a sunny bed edge, a gravel or sandy border, or a naturalistic spring bulb area where good drainage is assured. Be aware the bulbs are ornamental and not for eating; wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling them, and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further advice and contact numbers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Fritillaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Fritillaria verticillata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial bulb
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Native to
- S Siberia to Japan
- 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 verticillata
- Propagation
- By seed, by bulb offsets
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Fritillaria verticillata?
Fritillaria verticillata prefers full sun.
What soil does Fritillaria verticillata need?
Fritillaria verticillata grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Fritillaria verticillata grow?
Fritillaria verticillata reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Fritillaria verticillata hardy in the UK?
Fritillaria verticillata 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 verticillata?
By seed, by bulb offsets.
Is Fritillaria verticillata 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