What is the common name for Fritillaria?
Fritillaria meleagris, commonly called checkered lily, is a bulbous perennial that is native to river flood plains in Europe where it is frequently seen growing in large colonies. Gardeners often treat Fritillaria imperialis as an an annual, but when they are given the right growing conditions, the bulbs will rebloom and even multiply.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.Fritillaria bulbs should be planted before the beginning of winter. Plant the bulbs a few weeks before the ground freezes.Deadhead Fritillaria by just removing the bloom when it has gone over. Leave the foliage and stem to die off naturally so they can continue to photosynthesise and gather nutrients to store back in the bulb to use the following year. You may wish to cut back the stems to just above ground level.
What is Fritillaria used for?
Vahl and Fritillaria thunbergii Miq are traditional Chinese medicines that exhibit the ability to clear heat and toxic material effects. In China, the combination of these two medicines is widely used to treat mucopurulent sputum and bloody phlegm, arising due to phlegm-heat obstruction in respiratory diseases. The bulbs of Fritillaria species had long medicinal history in China and were used as a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) named “Bei Mu” for the treatment of asthma, pneumonia, bronchial, inflammation and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseas (COPD) [1,2].
Are fritillarias hard to grow?
Some bulbs originate in the dry mountains of Eastern Europe and some in native British meadows, but given the right conditions most types of fritillary are relatively easy to grow. Take a look at our handy Fritillaria Grow Guide, below. Bloom time: April/May. Plant the large Fritillaria bulbs 6 to 7 deep and 8 to 10 apart. Plant the smaller Fritillaria bulbs 5 to 6 deep and 5 to 6 apart. Variable horticultural zones ranging from 3-8 depending on the variety.Companion Plants Early Spring Bulbs: To complement the bloom time of Fritillaria imperialis, consider other early-spring blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, or hyacinths. They can offer a complementary palette of colors and a variety of shapes and heights.
Where do fritillarias grow best?
Fritillaria thrive in filtered to partial sunlight. Fritillaria meleagris prefers cooler soil with a bit of moisture in it. Plant the large Fritillaria bulbs 6 to 7 deep and 8 to 10 apart. Plant the smaller Fritillaria bulbs 5 to 6 deep and 5 to 6 apart. Fritillaria imperialis prefers full sun. As with most spring-blooming bulbs, the plants will also grow in partial shade, but full sun will give them the best chance of returning with a second year of flowers. Ideally, crown imperial bulbs should spend the summer in soil that is warm and dry.Fritillaria Meleagris bulbs will multiply during the first or second year of planting. Ideally, the best time to lift and check your bulbs for dividing is during the months of August and September. Once, you have divided your bulbs, they will all need replanting.Yes, they do. The bulbs will gradually clump up by dividing into bulbils that might take a little while to get to flowering stage. The smaller native varieties will also set seed as long as you do not dead head.
What do you do with Fritillaria seed heads?
Snake’s head Fritillary seeds should be sown in trays of compost in autumn. The trays should be left outside in a cold frame or covered with glass, and kept moist. After germinating, the seedlings can be pricked out and grown on and raised in pots. Fritillaria planting basics Like most bulbs, fritillaries like a well-drained, well-composted soil and a sunny or lightly shaded position, but Snakes’ Heads don’t mind wet conditions. Grouping your bulbs helps them to show off to the best effect, even when you prefer the mixed flower bed, country garden look.Snake’s head fritillary propagation To obtain bulbs for replanting, dig up the plant after it has wilted at the end of the growth phase, and carefully separate the newly formed bulbs from the main bulbs. It is important to ensure that this is done delicately, to minimise any damage to the bulbs.Planting snake’s head flower: where and how In the garden, snake’s head plants thrive in a sunny or semi-shady spot with moist soil. However, it can also be grown indoors, given a sufficient water supply.Fritillaria planting basics Like most bulbs, fritillaries like a well-drained, well-composted soil and a sunny or lightly shaded position, but Snakes’ Heads don’t mind wet conditions. Grouping your bulbs helps them to show off to the best effect, even when you prefer the mixed flower bed, country garden look.