What is a Fritillaria bulb?
Fritillaria Flower Bulbs Fritillaria flowers are sure to be the stars of your spring garden. From the bold-flowering Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) to the delicate Checkered Lily (Fritillaria meleagris), sometimes also known as Snake’s Head Lily, these spring-blooming bulbs all have unique, bell-shaped flowers that turn downward.
What are the different types of Fritillaria lilies?
Another of the wildflower Fritillaria lilies is the snakeshead lily, Fritillaria meleagris. This flower has a checkered or mottled pattern on the drooping blooms.
When should I plant Fritillaria bulbs?
Fritillaria bulbs should be planted sometime between late summer and early fall, giving the bulbs time to start rooting before the soil cools. Roots will develop in the fall, with foliage and flowers forming in the spring.
What are fritillary and Crown Imperial bulbs?
6 7 8 9 10 propagation Division Garden Design Ideas Fritillary and crown imperial stand out as stand-alone bulbs. Unlike daffodils and tulips that are most eye-pleasing when planted in large drifts of 10 or more, these strikingly different bulbs hold court in the garden solo or with a small group.
What does a fritillary plant look like?
Snake's head fritillaria (Fritillaria meleagris), also known as guinea hen flowers, are 12-15" tall. The bulbs produce grassy foliage and one or more stems, each with a single dangling flower. The flower petals can be creamy white, pink or burgundy and typically display a checkered pattern.
How do you plant fritillary bulbs?
Dig holes and plant the bulbs 5 to 6" deep and 10 to 12" apart for Crown Imperials or 4" deep and 4" apart for Yellow Fritillaria, Checkered Lilies, and Purple Bell Fritillaria. The bulbs are round and should be planted with the small points or indentations facing upwards.
Can you plant Fritillaria bulbs in pots?
planting fritillaries in pots Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No 2 mixed with grit to give plenty of drainage. You can also plant out pot grown fritillaries from February to May before they flower.
When should Fritillaria bulbs be planted?
They should to be planted in late summer or early autumn, to allow rooting to start before the soils cool. Higher rainfall in the spring will encourage them rather than years of winter drought.
Do fritillaries self seed?
Snake's Head Fritillary will self seed if the growing conditions are suitable, so it maybe better not to dead head.
Where is the best place to plant Fritillaria?
Grow Fritillaria in sun or dappled shade in free-draining soil. Plant the bulbs in free-draining soil or around deciduous shrubs that will take up excess moisture in the summer. To improve drainage, bulbs can be grown in a raised bed, where water will drain more quickly.
What month do Fritillaria bloom?
Plant in an area of the garden that reaches plenty of sunlight, or dappled shade if planted under trees and shrubs. When will they flower? Most fritillaria varieties will appear in mid-spring, either in April or early May. They will then provide you with impressive blooms through to early summer!
Do Fritillaria bulbs smell?
Fritillaria bulbs and their flower emit a musky smell. This also makes them excellent for planting around other flowers that deer and rodents tend to like, because they do not care for their smell either! The good thing is that you really have to be close in order to smell them.
Should you deadhead Snakeshead fritillary?
There is no need to deadhead your plants. They will only bloom once. After the flowers die, you can remove them or leave them on the plant to produce seeds.
Can I plant Fritillaria in March?
The best period for planting fritillaria bulbs is between August and September. The bulbs will be flowering around April and May.
Is Fritillaria a perennial?
Fritillaria (fritillaries) is a genus of spring flowering herbaceous bulbous perennial plants in the lily family (Liliaceae).
How do fritillaries spread?
Fritillaries can be propagated by seed. Sow in autumn under glass. Once germinated, grow seedlings on for two years before planting out. Alternatively, divide established clumps of Fritillaria imperialis in late-summer by splitting off and potting on the small bulbils around the edge of the bulb.
How deep should you plant Fritillaria bulbs?
Plant bulbs deeply at a depth of at least 30cms (1ft) and a similar distance apart. Shallow planting will lead to poor flowering after the first year. If the soil is too wet to allow planting at this depth then it is not a suitable site. Consider constructing a suitable raised bed.
How do you plant Fritillaria bulbs UK?
Fritillaries can be propagated by seed. Sow in autumn under glass. Once germinated, grow seedlings on for two years before planting out. Alternatively, divide established clumps of Fritillaria imperialis in late-summer by splitting off and potting on the small bulbils around the edge of the bulb.
Can I plant Fritillaria in March?
The best period for planting fritillaria bulbs is between August and September. The bulbs will be flowering around April and May.
Do Fritillaria bulbs need to be chilled?
Fritillaria will need to be planted deep enough that they won't be affected by temperature variations above ground, either too warm or too cold.
How tall do Fritillaria grow?
Crown imperials (Fritillaria imperalis) grow 24 to 36” tall.
What color are Fritillaria meleagris flowers?
The bulbs produce grassy foliage and one or more stems, each with a dangling flower. The flower petals can be creamy white, pink or burgundy and typically display a checkered pattern. Fritillaria meleagris has a delicate charm that’s best appreciated up close.
What is the best soil for fritillaria?
Most fritillaria need slightly more moisture during the growing season and perform best in soil that is high in organic matter. Well drained soil is important to ensure the bulbs don't rot during the winter.
What are some good companions for tulips?
Consider fritillaria! These fall-planted bulbs are easy to grow and their unusual, bell-shaped flowers are good companions for tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring-blooming bulbs.
Do you fertilize Crown Imperial bulbs?
Planting Tips: If you are growing fritillaria imperialis as an annual, there is no need to fertilize the bulbs at planting time. For other types, you can add compost and a small amount of all-purpose fertilizer at planting time. Crown imperial bulbs have a natural depression on top where moisture can gather.
How tall do Michael's flowers grow?
Michael's flower (Fritillaria michailovskyi) has grassy foliage and nodding bell-shaped flowers that are maroon with golden yellow edges. They grow about 8" tall and need well drained soil. Ideal for rock gardens.
Can Fritillaria meleagris grow in shade?
Sun or Shade: Most fritillaria will grow in full sun or light shade. Fritillaria meleagris prefers dappled shade.
How big are Fritillaria bulbs?
It is a relatively small subgenus of four species characterized by large (up to 100 cm) sturdy species, with bulbs that are much larger (up to 8 cm) than most Fritillaria with a few large, erect, imbricate and fleshy scales. Flowers are 3–5 in a terminal umbel, in the axils of the lower side of a leaf whorl.
What is a Fritillaria?
Fritillaria is a genus of perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes, dying back after flowering to an underground storage bulb from which they regrow in the following year.
What is the smell of a stink bell?
Certain species have flowers that emit disagreeable odors that have been referred to as phenolic, putrid, sulfurous, sweaty and skunky. The scent of Fritillaria imperialis has been called "rather nasty", while that of F. agrestis, known commonly as stink bells, is reminiscent of canine feces.
Why is the Fritillaria called Fritillaria?
He stated that the flower was known locally as Fritillaria because of a resemblance to the board used in playing checkers.
Why are Fritillaria important?
Because of their large genome size, Fritillaria species are an important source for genomic studies of the processes involved in genome size diversity and evolution. They also have important commercial value both in horticulture and traditional medicine.
Where are fritillaria native?
The genus has about 130–140 species divided among eight subgenera. The flowers are usually solitary, nodding and bell-shaped with bulbs that have fleshy scales, resembling those of lilies. They are known for their large genome size and genetically are very closely related to lilies. They are native to the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere, from the Mediterranean and North Africa through Eurasia and southwest Asia to western North America. Many are endangered due to enthusiastic picking.
Where was the Fritillaria Lilio Narcissus found?
He acknowledged that the plant had originally been found near Orleans and then sent to the Netherlands.
How tall is Fox's Grape Fritillary?
With dusky-purple pendulous blooms neatly trimmed in yellow, it gently beckons us into spring. At 8-10" in height, it will naturalize when happy to form colonies of richly colored blossoms that add an unusual element to the mid-spring garden. Learn More.
What is the name of the deer resistant bulb?
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria rubra) is a deer resistant, mid-spring blooming bulb with showy clusters of downward facing, burnt-orange flowers held high over the foliage.... Crown Imperial (Fritillaria rubra) is a deer resistant, mid-spring blooming bulb with showy clusters of downward facing, burnt-orange flowers held high over the foliage.
What are the flowers that turn downward in spring?
Fritillaria Flower Bulbs. Fritillaria flowers are sure to be the stars of your spring garden. From the bold-flowering Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) to the delicate Checkered Lily (Fritillaria meleagris), sometimes also known as Snake’s Head Lily, these spring-blooming bulbs all have unique, bell-shaped flowers that turn downward.
What Does Fritillary Bulb Taste Like?
Fritillary bulb tastes bitter whether you’re using the fresh or powdered form. Most times, this herb is combined with pear and has the tenderness of mung bean when steamed over indirect heat.
Why Fritillary Bulb Is Popular In Chinese Cuisines?
The popularity of this herb is due to its medicinal benefit. It isn’t the sweetest of all ingredients; neither will you find its addition worthwhile. It’s not an everyday ingredient like curry or pepper, which you can add to dishes to improve its taste. If not for its medicinal effects, this herb would have been nowhere near our food.
Can you drink fritillary bulb soup?
Drinking Fritillary bulb soup seems like going all out to ruin your taste bud. However, adding excess sugar in an attempt to mask its bitter taste isn’t the best option either. If you’re looking for a way to escape it’s bitterness, prepare with pears. You can either dump the bulb inside the pears or crush in warm water like in the case of Rock sugar soup.
Is Fritillary Bulb Healthy?
Fritillary bulb isn’t as popular as self-heal. It’s hard to see it growing in fields like most herbs. Its scarcity means the Chinese highly value it. This herb is quite expensive, and it is easy to see why, since it treats the most delicate organs in the body: the heart and lungs. It contains substances that eliminate Phlegm through its mint-like cooling effect and moistens the lung to eliminate cough. But this may increase the risk of cold at the same time.
What is a fox's grape fritillary?
Fox’s Grape Fritillary is an unusual heirloom bulb flowering with 1-2 blooms in meadows, rock gardens and lawns in mid-spring. The nodding, bell-shaped flowers have plum-colored outer petals, and the inner petals peek out in rich gold – giving Fox’s Grape Fritillary an exotic look. Foliage is green and spear-shaped and complements the unusual flower. (Fritillaria uva-vulpis)
How many blooms does Fox's Grape Fritillary have?
Fox’s Grape Fritillary is an unusual heirloom bulb flowering with 1-2 blooms in meadows, rock gardens and lawns in mid-spring. The nodding, bell-shaped flowers have plum-colored outer petals, and the inner petals peek out in rich gold – giving Fox’s Grape Fritillary an exotic look.
Do fritillaria bloom in the sun?
Fritillaria flowers are like no others! From the highly-patterned, bell-shaped blooms of the Chequered Lily, to the upside-down presentation of the tall Crown Imperials - with their crown-like foliage set atop their vibrant flower clusters - Fritillaria rarely go unnoticed! Plant these beauties in full-sun to half-sun locations in well-draining soils. Deer and squirrel resistant.
Where does Fritillaria grow?
Information on the Fritillaria plant also describes the Chocolate lily, Fritillaria affinis, which grows wild in southeastern Canada south to the San Francisco bay area.
How tall do wildflower fritillaria lilies grow?
Growing Fritillaria may reach 4 feet (1 m.) or more in spring.
What is the name of the lily that has nodding flowers?
Fritillarias are true lilies, growing from non-tunicate bulbs. Fritillaria imperialis, or Crown Imperial, has the showiest flowers of the species, but some say it also has a malodorous fragrance reminiscent to that of skunk odor. These Fritillaria bulbs have nodding flowers, topped with a tuft of foliage. Another of the wildflower Fritillaria ...
Where is Fritillaria pudica native to?
Information on the Fritillaria plant indicates that most are Asian or European natives; however, Fritillaria pudica is native to western North America.
Do fritillaria bulbs repel squirrels?
Fritillaria bulbs resist deer, squirrels, and bulb digging rodents and may help protect other bulbs that are favorites of the critters.
Can Fritillaria lilies be used as a specimen?
Use wildflower Fritillaria lilies as specimens, in groupings, or as an addition to a traditional bulb bed. Imperialis and meleagris types are available in some local nurseries and through mail order catalogs. Be prepared to plant bulbs as soon as they arrive.
When do fritillaria bulbs die?
Fritillaria like dry sites when they are dormant. By early to mid summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your bulbs will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle. Pots, Barrels, Tubs & Urns.
What is fritillaria in spring?
Fritillaria are uncommon and trendy additions to spring gardens, blooming in a dizzying array of unusual shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns that are truly out of this world. So, if you want to have a little fun and make a bold statement with some really cool (and critter-resistant) plants, it's about time to order your Fritillaria bulbs! Get all the dirt on planting and growing these horticultural oddities below:
Can Fritillaria be grown in shade?
Fritillaria fancy a home with well-drained soil but will tolerate various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade to dappled shade, depending on the specific variety. If you notice puddles of water 5–6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site or amend the soil with organic material to raise the level 2–3 inches. These plants are great for containers or outdoor plantings but will not thrive in soggy soil or standing water.
Do you have to wear gloves when planting Fritillaria?
Wear gloves when planting Fritillaria if you have sensitive skin. Some experience an itchy or tingly sensation when handling the bulbs.
Can you cut Fritillaria?
Feel free to cut the shorter Fritillaria flowers when in bloom for striking bouquets. However, be mindful that cutting the stems of Crown Imperials often takes 1/2 to 2/3 of the stalk, which can negatively impact the following spring's flower production.
Do fritillaria bulbs need sun?
Fritillaria require a well drained site and will not thrive in soggy soil. These bulbs thrive in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade to dappled shade. Please check the information on each product page for the light preferences of your individual variety.
Overview
Bibliography
• Brickell, Christopher, ed. (2016). RHS: A–Z Encyclopedia of garden plants (4th ed.). Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 978-0-241-23912-4.
• Chiang, Nancy (2016). Determination of key aroma active compounds in raw and roasted lily bulbs (bai he) -- an ingredient in chinese cuisine (Thesis). doi:10.7282/T36T0PVQ.
Description
Fritillaria is a genus of perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes, dying back after flowering to an underground storage bulb from which they regrow in the following year. It is characterised by nodding (pendant) flowers, perianths campanulate (bell- or cup-shaped) with erect segments in upper part, a nectarial pit, groove or pouch at the base of the tepal, anthers usually pseudobasifixed, ra…
Taxonomy
Gerard (1597) states that Fritillaria was unknown to the ancients, but certainly it was appearing in the writings of sixteenth century European botanists, including Dodoens (1574, 1583), Lobelius (1576, 1581), and Clusius (1583) in addition to Gerard, and was mentioned by Shakespeare and other authors of the period (see Culture). Species of Fritillaria were known in Persia (Iran) in the sixteenth cent…
Biogeography and evolution
It is likely that two invasions across the Bering Straits to North America took place within the Lileae, one in each genus, Lilium and Fritillaria. Within the Eurasian clade, the two subclades differ in bulb type. In subclade B2 (Fritillaria, Rhinopetalum, and Japonica), the bulb type is described as Fritillaria-type, with 2–3 fleshy scales and the tunica derived from the remnants of previous year's scales. by contrast subclade B2 (Petilium, Theresia and Korolkowia) differ. Those of Theresia an…
Etymology
When Noël Capperon, an Orléans apothecary, discovered F. meleagris growing in the Loire meadows in 1570, he wrote to Carolus Clusius, describing it, and saying that it was known locally as fritillaria, supposedly because the checkered pattern on the flower resembled the board on which checkers was played. Clusius believed this to be an error, in that fritillus is actually the Latin name for the box in which the dice used in the game were kept, not the board itself.
Distribution and habitat
Fritillaria are distributed in most temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, from western North America, through Europe, the Mediterranean, Middle East and Central Asia to China and Japan. Centres of diversity include Turkey (39 species) and the Zagros Mountains of Iran (14–15 species). Iran is also the centre of diversity of species such as F. imperialis and F. persica. There are five areas o…
Ecology
The majority of species are spring-flowering. Lily beetles (scarlet lily beetle, Lilioceris lilii and Lilioceris chodjaii) feed on fritillaries, and may become a pest where these plants are grown in gardens or commercially.
Fritillaria are entomophilous (insect pollinated). Those species with large nectaries (4–12 x 1–4 mm) and have more fructose than glucose in the nectar are most commonly pollinated by wasps, w…