imperial fritillary
Fritillaria imperialis
RHS AGM 2012
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Yellow, orange, red
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
Garden uses
Notes
Imperial fritillary (Fritillaria imperialis) is a bulb for borders, specimen planting, and rock gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, loamy or clay soil. Three to five broad, bell-shaped flowers form a cluster on a tall, erect stem in red, orange, or yellow. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Give it time, since it grows slowly.
Pairs well with Amsonia, Karl Foerster feather reed grass, and Japanese forest grass.
Native range
S Turkey to NW India (Kashmir).