Fritillaria thunbergii
Thunberg fritillary
A bulbous perennial, to 60cm tall, with whorls of narrow leaves, the upper leaves forming tendrils. The nodding, bell-shaped spring flowers, usually around four in total, are about 2.5cm long and a pale yellow-cream colour with purplish-brown spots or squares
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Cream Yellow Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Fritillaria are bulbous herbaceous perennials with lance-shaped or linear leaves and nodding bell-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers that may be solitary or in racemes or umbels
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers a moderately fertile, very well-drained soil and is intolerant of wet when dormant
Propagation
Propagate from seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn. Needs exposure to winter cold for germination in spring. Divide offsets in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and lily beetle
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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