Fritillaria

(frit·il·lar·ia | \ ˌfri-tə-ˈler-ē-ə, -ˈla-rē- \)

Also Known As:

Crown Imperials, Chequered Lily, Snakeshead Lily

	When to Plant:
	Fall

	Blooms:
	Spring to Early Summer

	Light Requirements:
	Full Sun to Partial Shade

	Plant Height:
	Varies by type. Ranges from 2-60".

	Hardiness Zones:
	Grow as Perennial in zones 4-8, depending on variety. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone

	Planting Depth:
	Varies by type. Ranges from 3-6".

	Plant Spacing:
	Varies by type. Ranges from 6-8".

	Plant Type:
	Bulb

About

Fritillaria are found in a range of habitats from woodland areas to open meadows. A unique, bulbous flower unlike any of the other blooms you may see in the garden. Popular for their pendent, bell-shaped flowers on leafy stems.

Highlights

Deer & critter resistant
Naturalizes well
Excellent for cut flowers
Unique blooms
Fragrant

Planting Care & Instructions

Plant in the fall, before the first frost hardens the soil. Dig a hole to the required depth. Place bulb in hole, pointed side up. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. Mulch in extreme climates.

For container planting, bury the bulb three times as deep as the bulb is wide. In zones 6 and below, you will need to protect your bulb containers. Place them near the foundation of the house or other structure. In zones 3-5, place the container in an unheated garage or shed.

After blooming, leave the bulbs in place so plants can clump or reseed. Divide only when containers or planting spaces become too crowded. Propagate in the fall by division after they have been chilled for four weeks in a moist medium.

Refer to the USDA Planting Zone Map to find your zone.

Growing Tips

Plant bulb at a 45º angle to prevent water from sitting in the stem hole of the bulb. Protect smaller, shorter species (2-6" high) in sheltered location. Needs well drained soil that dries out slightly in summer but that does not become sunbaked. Grow Fritillaria meleagris, which is good for naturalizing in grass, in moist soil. Fertilize before or after blooming to increase offset production for perennializing.

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