Where does fritillaria meleagris grow?
Native to grassy flood plains and meadows of Europe from southern England to Russia, these bulbs are hardy in zones 3-8. They are one of the less commonly grown small spring bulbs but have been cultivated for centuries – it was a regular feature in Elizabethan gardens, dating back to at least 1572. 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.Fritillaria is a bulbous genus of around 130 species found from western Europe to east Asia with about 20 species native to North America. Just one species, the beautiful Fritillaria meleagris (Snakeshead Fritillary) is native to Britain.
Where do fritillarias grow best?
Pick a spot in your garden that has well-draining soil and gets full sun or partial shade. Plant the fritillaria bulbs about 3-6” deep and 4-12” apart, depending on the variety, and place them in the soil with their pointy ends up. Water well once and wait for spring. 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. They are easy to plant and are low maintenance.Sun or Shade: Most fritillaria will grow in full sun or light shade. Fritillaria meleagris prefers dappled shade. Hardiness Zone: Fritillaria will survive the winter in hardiness zones 4-8.Fritillaria meleagris thrive in partial shade to full sun, preferring damp, humus-rich soil that remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. They are well suited to cool conditions in spring and need soil moisture during summer, as dry conditions can cause bulbs to shrivel and die.Alternatively, grow them in pots of gritty, loam-based soil, kept dry but shaded in summer. Most fritillaries are very hardy, surviving temperatures well below -10ºC with RHS ratings ranging from H7 to H4 (USDA zones 5a to 8b).
What zone is Fritillaria bulbs in?
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. Fritillaria are The Art & Soul of Spring. Planting Fritillaria in pots Plant 15-20cm (6-8″) deep. If you have a larger patio type pot, then you can plant more fritillaria bulbs where possible. Ensuring enough space between the bulbs.
What is the best time to plant fritillaria?
Fritillaria bulbs should be planted before the beginning of winter. Plant the bulbs a few weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the bulb time to establish a root system. Fritillaries can remain dormant in the soil and will begin to grow again the following spring. Once the leaves die back on fritillaries planted in borders, cut the stems back to just above the ground level.Allow the foliage to die down completely after flowering. Fritillaria meleagris will naturalise in grass if bulbs are left undisturbed.Allow the foliage to die down completely after flowering. Fritillaria meleagris will naturalise in grass if bulbs are left undisturbed.
Is fritillaria meleagris hard to grow?
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. They are easy to plant and are low maintenance. 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.