Fritillaria ulva vulpis

Family: Liliaceae

Common Name(s): Fritillaries

Native to: Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere

Flowering: Spring

Watering: Water moderately; ensuring the soil is moist but not too wet

Planting Aspect: Full Sun, Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Grassland

Description

Fritillaria bulbs produce a most graceful plant with checkering marks on many flowers that is very attractive. Dependant on variety, some are not easy to grow but their nodding, bell or goblet shaped flowers borne mainly in spring are worth the trouble. The subtle colours of most Fritillaria are best appreciated at close quarters in the rock garden or in small scale plantings among shrubs or under small deciduous trees.

The bulb has no protective membrane to retain moisture, so therefore dampness (but not an excess) must be a pre-requisite in their growing environment. Dependant on variety most will perform best in temperate gardens, but many others must be protected against spring frosts and winter and summer rains. Most varieties grow to between 30 and 60cm in height.

Fritillaria meleagris
Snake's Head have slender 30 to 40cm tall stems bearing nodding, goblet shaped blooms that are pure white and flowers in mid spring. It flourishes in deep soil where plenty of moisture is present throughout the year and high in leaf mould or organic matter. It tolerates dappled shade and thrives best under deciduous trees or in a rock garden.

Fritillaria pontica
Pontica has bell shaped flowers that are green flushed brown and sometimes purple stained at the throat. They grow to 45cm in height. They are easily grown in ordinary garden soils or pots.

Fritillaria ulva vulpis
Fox’s Grapes have narrowly bell shaped flowers that are purplish-grey outside with deep yellow inside on 30 to 40cm stems. The leaves are narrow, alternate and bright green. They are easily grown in ordinary garden conditions.

Fritillaria acmopetala
Acmopetala has from 1 to 3 bell shaped flowers per stem consisting of 3 outer segments that are green stippled with brownish purple and 3 inner segments that are shining olive green. The bells are a glowing shiny yellow green on the inside and have strongly recurved tips on all the petals. They flower in mid spring on stems 40 to 60cm in height. They are easy to grow in ordinary garden soils and multiply rapidly.

Cultivation

A lightly airy location should be chosen to grow Fritillaria in order to protect them from constant moisture on the foliage and the outbreak of Botrytis. Good drainage is essential (meleagris does best in soils that are damp year round) and the soil should be high in organic content. Plant the bulbs so that they are covered with soil to a depth equal to 3-4 times the height of the bulb and spaced apart by about 4 times their diameter. Give weak feedings of organic fertilizer in autumn and when the leaves emerge if the soil is poor. The original habitat for most species was typically scrub, grassland or light woodland and therefore they should be grown in light shade in hot areas. Protect them from snails and slugs.