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Fritillaria thunbergii

Fritillaria thunbergii
Thunberg Fritillary

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Value-for-money
This fritillary is a bulbous plant traditionally used in Asian medicine but rare in our gardens. It produces beautiful, fresh and bright, cream-yellow to pale-green, bell-shaped flowers with brown speckles from March to May. Hardy down to -10 to -12°C (14 to 10.4°F), it enjoys partial shade and thrives in humus-rich, moist soil.
Flower size
4 cm
Height at maturity
50 cm
Spread at maturity
10 cm
Exposure
Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time October
Recommended planting time September to November
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Flowering time March to May
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Description

Fritillaria thunbergii is probably better known to phytotherapists, who call it zhe bei mu, than to amateur gardeners. It is a very pretty bulbous plant originating from Kazakhstan. It also grows under the cover of bamboo in western China. This species is distinguished by its beautiful flowering stems adorned with pale yellow-green bells, appearing from early spring. It will thrive and be very happy in partially shaded and cool areas of the garden, alongside other exotic-looking but hardy plants.

 

Fritillaria thunbergii belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is native to East Asia, where it is found in shaded and moist areas, from sea level up to 600m (1968ft) altitude. Its whitish bulb, measuring 20 to 30mm (1in) in diameter, is composed of thick scales. Its vegetation emerges from the ground in late winter or early spring. Over time, the plant spreads in width through the production of numerous daughter bulbs, forming lovely clumps. It produces brown stems that can reach up to 60cm (24in) in height when flowering, but more often around 40cm (16in), depending on growing conditions. The light green leaves are narrow and linear, ending in a sort of long tendril. They are gathered in small clusters or whorls on the stem. Flowering takes place from March to May. Several flowers, measuring 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, appear on the upper part of each stem, hanging towards the ground. The exterior of the corolla is pale-yellow, slightly tinged with green and often speckled, while the interior is adorned with a brown mosaic pattern. The plant goes dormant in summer.

 

Fritillaria thunbergii is particularly well-suited to cool understory environments, and it readily naturalises with Naples cyclamens, for example. The plant tolerates moderate summer drought once well established. Plant the bulbs deeply, under deciduous trees or non-invasive fargesia bamboos, for example. Its bright and delicate flowers pair well with those of daffodils, wood hyacinths, bleeding hearts, and corydalis, for example.

 

 

Fritillaria thunbergii in pictures

Fritillaria thunbergii (Flowering) Flowering
Fritillaria thunbergii (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 10 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time March to May
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 4 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Fritillaria

Species

thunbergii

Family

Liliaceae

Other common names

Thunberg Fritillary

Origin

Central Asia

Product reference153101

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Available in 2 sizes

Planting and care

This bulbous plant should be planted in autumn at a depth of at least 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in), in well-draining soil. Adding sand or fine gravel, preferably non-limestone, will help prevent bulb rot. After flowering, the leaves should be left to allow the bulb to regenerate. It prefers soils rich in humus, which are moist in spring and slightly drier in summer and winter. Be careful of excessive moisture in winter. Choose a partially shaded location, in the morning sun or under the cover of trees and bushes with light foliage. Fritillary thunbergii can also be grown in a pot with well-draining substrate.

Planting period

Best planting time October
Recommended planting time September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 50 per m2
Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, well-drained, humus-bearing

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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