About
Fritillaria verticillata, the whorled fritillary, is a bulbous, clump-forming perennial to 90 cm tall with upright stems bearing whorls of narrow, grey-green leaves � the upper ones elongated into curling tendrils � and loose spikes of up to fifteen nodding, bell-shaped white to pale greenish flowers chequered with green or brown. A graceful and ornamental fritillary for a well-drained, sunny border.
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 hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toS Siberia to Japan
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