Fritillaria davisii

The Fritillaria davisii is a wild fritillary native to Greece, which is rather hardy and adapts quite easily to gardens as long as it is planted in well-drained soil that dries out in summer. It is characterized by pendulous bell-shaped flowers with a waxy texture, dark purple-brown on the outside and yellow-green on the inside. As a beautiful spring surprise, it will bloom in rock gardens, raised beds, and even in a lovely pot on the terrace.

The Fritillaria davisii belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is native to the southern Peloponnese, specifically the Mani Peninsula, where it can be found at very low altitudes in olive groves and low scrubland on limestone soil. It is well adapted to the Mediterranean climate and can withstand cold temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) in well-drained, not too wet soil. To flower well, its bulb needs a fairly dry and warm summer.

This fritillary develops from a small scaly bulb measuring 2 cm (1in) in diameter. The foliage emerges from the ground in late winter. It consists of two shiny, lanceolate leaves, often quite wide, that rest on the ground. Flowering occurs in March-April, sometimes in May, depending on the climate. Each 15 cm (6in) tall flower stem bears one to three broadly campanulate flowers, hanging downward and emitting a sweet fragrance. Each flower is composed of petals that are dark purple-brown on the outside, usually unstriped, while the interior of the corolla is yellowish-green with a paved pattern of dark purple-brown. After pollination, a cylindrical and erect fruit forms, which will release numerous flat seeds when ripe. The above-ground vegetation of the fritillary disappears in summer as the plant enters a period of dormancy. During this time of year, the soil should be rather dry.

As unique as the Guinea Fowl Fritillary, which is much better known, Davis's fritillary is better suited to southern gardens and hot summers. Give it a small spot in a rock garden or a bed with soil that doesn't retain too much water, neither in winter nor in summer. This bulbous plant, which doesn't tolerate much competition, naturally pairs well with other spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips or botanical narcissus. It can also be paired with dwarf or intermediate bearded irises. Beautiful pots can also be composed with its bulbs, allowing for a close-up view of the flowers and providing protection from excessive moisture in both winter and summer.

Another advantage of fritillaries is that their bulbs emit an odor that repels rodents, especially moles. They will therefore protect your tulip bulbs from their attacks without bothering you; the odor is imperceptible once the bulb is planted.