Fritillaria

( frit - il - LAY - ree - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Fritillaria, or Fritillary, is a genus of perennial flowering plants that grow from bulbs and need light shade to perform well. They require regular water during growth and blooming periods and produce colorful, somewhat odd-looking flowers. Stems reach between 6 inches to three feet tall and are topped with nodding flowers. Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as they are poisonous to pets and humans if ingested. The bulbs are especially toxic, and the foliage on some species has been reported to also cause contact dermatitis.

Fritillaria Species and Varietals

The genus Fritillaria is a member of the plant family Liliaceae, and includes somewhere between 100 and 150 distinct species. The best growing zones for Fritillaries are generally USDA hardiness zones 3-9, though this varies somewhat depending on the specis grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Fritillaria acmopetala (Pointed-Petal Fritillary, Mission Bells)
This species is native to rocky limestone areas in mountainous regions of the Middle East. It was first described in 1846 by Swiss botanist Pierre Edmond Boissier, and reaches between 12 and 28 inches tall when in bloom. Leaves are straight and narrow, and blooms are maroon to red with green and creamy-yellow markings. Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Fritillaria affinis (Chocolate Lily, Checker Lily, Mission Bells, Rice-Root Lily)
This highly variable species is native to western North America, and reaches between 4 and 45 inches tall when in bloom. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. Flowers bloom in springtime and are yellow to greenish-brown with a lot of yellow and purple-black mottling. Green leaves are whorled.

Fritillaria agrestis (Stinkbells)
This species is endemic to California, mostly from Mendocino County through Ventura County. They do very well in clay or heavy soils and are uncommonly seen in their native range. They form an erect stem that supports white and green to pinkish markings. They are marked with purple-brown on their inner surfaces, and have an unpleasant odor. These flowers grow well in USDA hardiness zones 7b-10a.

Fritillaria atropurpurea (Spotted Fritillary, Purple Fritillary, Spotted Mountainbells, Spotted Missionbells, Leopard Lily, Checker Lily)
These flowers are native to the western United States, and are often found underneath trees in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon and North Dakota. Stems reach between 4 and 8 inches tall and are topped with nodding yellow-cream flowers heavily mottled with dark purple-brown. Stamens have very large yellow anthers. These flowers are best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Fritillaria biflora (Mission Bells, Chocolate Lily)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8b-10b or Sunset growing zones 7 and 14-21, and is native to California and northern Baja California, Mexico. It grows 6-16 inches tall and one to six brown bells on each stem bloom between March and April each year. Variety 'Martha Roderick' has brownish-orange flowers with white centers. Subspecies Fritillaria biflora ineziana is endangered, and is known from just one location in San Mateo County, CA.

Fritillaria brandegeei (Greenhorn Fritillary)
Endemic to California's Greenhorn Mountains in Kern and Tulare counties, this rarely seen species grows in open forested areas. Plants reach 40 inches tall when in bloom, and produce nodding pinkish-purple star shaped flowers. Greenhorn Fritillary grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5a-9b.

Fritillaria camschatcensis (Black Lily, Chocolate Lily, Kamchatka Fritillary, Rice Lily, Northern Rice-Root)
Native to Pacific Coasts ranging from Japan to the northwestern United States, this species reaches up to 9-18 inches tall with deep purple bells. Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-7 and 15-17. Flowers have a characteristic offensive odor and are pollinated by flies.

Fritillaria eastwoodiae (Butte County Fritillary, Eastwood's Fritillary)
This species of Fritillary is native to the Sierra Nevada foothills in California and southern Oregon, and reaches between 8 and 32 inches tall when in bloom. Flowers range in color from greenish yellow to red-orange, and commonly have green to yellow mottling on petals. They bloom in March through May and are found in dry open woodlands and chaparral environments. Best in USDA zones 8b-9b.

Fritillaria falcata (Talus Fritillary)
This species is native to the Bay Area, California, and produces a short stem that tops out around 8 inches tall when plants are in bloom. Flowers are yellow-green and heavily mottled with reddish-maroon markings. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-9.

Fritillaria gentneri (Gentner's Fritillary, Gentner Mission Bells, Gentner's Mission-Bells)
These flowers are native to southwestern Oregon and northern California and grow naturally in open woodlands and chaparral landscapes. They do well in USDA hardiness zones 7a-9b. Flowers bloom from March through July, and are various shades of red. This is an endangered species, and there are only 30 known populations of this plant in their native habitat.

Fritillaria gibbosa (Rhinopetalum gibbosum) (Leopard Tulip, Leopard Flower)
This species is native to Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, growing well in USDA hardiness zones 5a-8b. They reach up to a foot tall when in bloom and have open rather than bell-shaped flowers unlike most species in the genus. The blooms are blue-pink with darker spots and veining.

Fritillaria imperialis (Crown Imperial, Lily of the Emperor, Kaiser's Crown, Kurdish Tulip, Crown Imperial Fritillary)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-7 and 14-17 and is native to Europe. Flower stalks reach 3 feet tall and are topped with bells in bright colors like red, orange and yellow. A tuft of leaves tops each flower inflorescence. These flowers can take full sun in cooler climates, and have a slightly offensive fragrance.

Fritillaria liliacea (Fragrant Fritillary)
These flowers are native to the San Francisco Bay Area, California, and have a faintly sweet fragrance. The species produces white flowers with green stripes. Individual plants reach up to 4 to 14 inches tall when mature and in bloom.

Fritillaria meleagris (Checkered Lily, Snakeshead Fritillary, Frog-Cup, Guinea-Hen Flower, Leper Lily, Lazarus Bell, Chequered Daffodil, Chess Flower, Drooping Tulip)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-7 and 15-17; It is native to Europe and Asia, and can take occasional flood conditions. 1 to 3 bell-shaped flowers top each foot-tall stem and are checkered in colors like purple, pink and white. They are great in meadow landscapes.

Fritillaria michailovskyi (Michael's Flower, Fritillary)
This species produces flowers that are purple (or wine-red) and yellow and is native to Türkiye. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-7 and 14-17. These plants require very well-draining soils, and cannot tolerate winter wet. Individual plants reach up to 8 inches tall when in bloom.

Fritillaria ojaiensis (Ojai Fritillary)
This rare wildflower is endemic to California and reaches about a foot and a half tall when in bloom. Flowers are nodding, and are green-yellow to purple in color with purple mottling. These flowers do well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-10b.

Fritillaria persica (Persian Lily, Persian Fritillary, Persian Bells)
Native to Türkiye, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, and Israel, this species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 2-7 and 14-17. It produces flower stems about 2-3 feet tall that carry up to 30 deep purple flowers. Emerging stems need frost protection in cold regions, and can take full sun in cooler climates. Varietal 'Adiyaman' has particularly dark blooms.

Fritillaria recurva (Scarlet Fritillary, Red Bells, Scarlet Mission Bells)
These flowers are native to southwestern Oregon down to northern California, and typically grow in dry, open woodlands and chaparral landscapes. Flowers bloom from June through October, and are various colors of red and orange-red. Plants can reach up to 1-3 feet tall when mature and in bloom. These flowers do well in USDA hardiness zones 5a-9b.

Caring for Fritillaria

Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as they are poisonous to pets and humans if ingested. The bulbs are especially toxic, and the foliage on some species has been reported to also cause contact dermatitis. Fritillary flowers prefer to be planted in climates with some winter chill and protection from summertime hot temperatures. Fritillaria can be started from seed or bulb, and plants can also be purchased as starts from some nurseries. Bulbs are best planted in fall for a springtime bloom, and have a tendency to dry out relatively quickly, so they should be planted soon after purchase. Plant bulbs on their sides 3-4 inches deep and 6 inches apart for best coverage in a space in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. They will bloom best in full sun exposure (between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day), but in the warmest climates will need afternoon dappled shade. They prefer soil that is very well-draining and fertile, with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Mulch around the base of plants to increase soil moisture retention, maintain soil temperatures, and suppress weed growth.

Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, Fritillaria prefer the soil around their bulbs to be kept moist. They are prone to root rot in soils that allow standing water, however, so make sure that soil drains well. In the active growing and blooming season, it is recommended that they receive about an inch of water per week. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with a application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Once foliage has died back, withhold water and allow plants to enter dormancy. Keep the area around their roots relatively dry during this period of time. Some gardeners find that plants are stronger and grow better if a second compost application is performed in fall to help send even more nutrients down into the bulb. Yellowed or faded foliage can be cut off to just above ground level to neaten up the appearance of plants as they enter dormancy. Flower spikes can be deadheaded when they fade. Taller varieties, such as the taller Crown Imperials, may need staking in windy areas.

Propagation

Fritillaria can be propagated either by division or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Fritillaria, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Fritillaria by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Fritillaria by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.