A member of the lily family, this genus of about 100 species includes some rare species that are coveted by many plant collectors. Most are native to the Balkans and the Mediterranean, though species also occur in much of the temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere. The leaves are narrow and simple with tubular or bell-shaped pendulous flowers borne on erect stems. Petals may be alternately colored, striped, or speckled, often in rather unusual colors, such as chocolate, lime green, sulfur yellow, dusky rose, and even gray. Both the genus and common namke (fritiallary) derive from the Latin word fritillus, meaning checkered dice box, an image suggested by the alternately colored flower petals.
CULTIVATION
These generally frost-hardy plants prefer a climate with distinct seasons. Most species grow well in rockeries or woodland conditions in part-shade with moist, humus-rich, very well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed.
Top Tip
Not every Fritillaria species is easy to grow; good species to start with are F. imperialis, F. meleagris, and F. michailovskyi. Use in herbaceous borders or pots.
CULTIVATION
These generally frost-hardy plants prefer a climate with distinct seasons. Most species grow well in rockeries or woodland conditions in part-shade with moist, humus-rich, very well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed.
Top Tip
Not every Fritillaria species is easy to grow; good species to start with are F. imperialis, F. meleagris, and F. michailovskyi. Use in herbaceous borders or pots.
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