Fritillaria stenanthera

The Fritillaria stenathera is a very beautiful wild fritillary that blooms from the end of winter in the mountains of Central Asia, between 1000 and 2000 meters (3281 and 6562 feet) above sea level. Sought after by collectors, still very rare in gardens, this species is characterized by an early and delightful flowering, made up of star-shaped flowers in apricot pink with a violet base. Although it requires delicate cultivation, this fritillary is very resistant to cold, but it requires a well-drained, rocky soil that is dry in winter and summer. Easier to maintain in a pot, it is not forbidden to try to acclimate it in a rock garden or a raised bed, if care is taken to place it in the sun, in a soil that does not retain water.

The Fritillaria stenathera (formerly known as Rhinopetalum stenantherum) belongs to the Lily family. It is native to an area including the western part of the Tian Shan mountains in Turkestan and the Alai mountains located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. It is a plant that originates from relatively dry mountain environments in winter, where it can be found growing in sun-exposed scree. From its origins, it can be deduced that this species fears excessive humidity, as well as heat in summer.

The plant develops from a scaly bulb from the end of winter. The buds emerge from the ground in February-March, then quickly elongate to produce leaves and floral stems that will reach approximately 25 cm (10in) in height at the time of flowering, in March-April. Each floral stem bears 2 to 8 small star-shaped flowers. Each flower is composed of 6 iridescent petals in salmon pink colour, with a purple-violet base. The center of the flower is also purple-violet in colour. After pollination, an upright fruit forms, which will release numerous flat seeds at maturity. The leaves of this Fritillaria stenathera are bright green. The two basal leaves are wide, almost opposite, elliptical to oblong-lanceolate and much larger than the upper leaves, which are linear-lanceolate in shape. The above-ground vegetation disappears in summer, and the plant goes into dormancy. During this time of year, the soil should be rather dry.

This fritillary truly deserves to be discovered, it is still a botanical treasure that will delight enthusiasts. Give it a good place in a rock garden or a bed that does not retain water, neither in winter nor in summer, for example against the house, sheltered from winter rains. Since this small bulbous plant fears competition, it is preferable not to choose vigorous companions for it. Early-flowering small bulbs such as narcissus, botanical tulips, or crocuses will be perfect.