There’re two types of fritillaries, very commonly grown in
gardens, and they’re like Mutt and Jeff. Fritillaria meleagris (checkered lily)
has flowers shaped like little hanging bells, in muted, neutral tones like
gray, purple, brownish and white with an odd, checkerboard pattern. They
normally grow at most to 12 inches, bloom in MindSpring, and often self-sow prolifically.
They’re best seen close up, in a natural setting, and are hardy to Zone 3. F.
Imperialis (Crown Imperial) sends up a three foot stem topped by a huge cluster
of hanging bells in shades of red, yellow and orange often two shades together
and the leaves stick up in a tuft on top of the flower. It is grow it in a
clump by itself or behind shorter bulbs. Combining it with yellow daffodils and
red tulips could be interesting (though it doesn’t produce the subtlest of
effects). It is hardy to Zone 5 to 6.
How to Grow Fritillaria Imperialis
Give fritillaries a gritty, humusy, moist but extremely well
drained soil. It is ought to be fairly rich. They grow well in full sun or
light shade. Buy them as soon as they become available and plant them immediately;
their bulbs should not be allowed to dry out. Crown imperial bulbs should go at
least eight inches apart and six inches deep measured to the top of the large
bulbs). Checkered lilies should be three to four inches apart and three to four
inches deep. Its division is possible but not essential in fact the bulbs seem
to do better if left alone.
