Fritillaria camschatcensis

Fritillaria camschatcensis, also known as Kamchatka fritillary, is a cold-resistant species that comes from northeastern Asia and northwestern North America. In late spring, this bulbous plant bears a flowering stem adorned with astonishing purple-chocolate bell-shaped flowers speckled with pale-yellow. Preferring slightly damp soil and the humus of clear undergrowth, this unique plant will bring a touch of exoticism to a cool and semi-shaded area of the garden.

Fritillaria camschatcensis belongs to the Liliaceae family. Its habitat includes pond edges, meadows, clear forests, rocky beaches, and riverbanks. It can be found from plains to subalpine zones, not far from coasts. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a bulb from which vegetation emerges from the ground in spring. The bulb has several large fleshy scales, similar to garlic. The stem, which reaches an average height of 35 to 40cm (14 to 16in) when in bloom (sometimes up to 60cm (24in)), bears shiny, bright green lanceolate leaves, up to 10cm (4in) long. They are arranged in whorls, meaning they are inserted in clusters at regular intervals. Flowering occurs from May to July. Elongated ovoid flower buds appear near the top of the stem, hanging towards the ground. They open into bell-shaped flowers with 6 petals that are dark brown to almost black on the outside, revealing a purple-chocolate interior spotted and streaked with pale-yellow. Yellow stamens dominate the centre of the flower. The flowers are pollinated by flies. The blooms emit a curious scent that may not be pleasing.

Fritillaria camschatcensis ideally grows in non-burning sun or at the edge of undergrowth, in rich and light soil that remains moist even in summer. It is a highly decorative plant that will enhance any garden. Plant the bulbs among ferns, rodgersias, hostas, ligularias, and astilbes that thrive in similar environments. Once established, the plant will naturalise and multiply in the garden.