Fritillaria michailovskyi - 20 pieces

Fritillaria michailovskyi

CHF 26.65

Burgundy bells with a golden-yellow rim
1 to 5 hanging flowers per stem
Dwarf, about 15–25 cm
Flowers in April
For rock gardens and pots with good drainage

Fritillaria michailovskyi comes from the mountains of Turkey. Its nodding bells are dark burgundy red, edged with a bright golden-yellow rim. A little treasure for rock gardens, gravel beds and pots that you will want to admire up close.

About this variety

In its native habitat this fritillary grows on stony slopes in north-eastern Turkey, close to the snow line. It is correspondingly robust and compact. The bells are dark reddish brown outside and look as if they had been dipped in gold at the rim. Up to five flowers open per stem above narrow, grey-green leaves.

At about 15–25 cm tall, it belongs in the rock garden, along path edges, in gravel beds or in pots that you move to a prominent spot when in flower. Small daffodils, grape hyacinths and squills go well with it. It also shows to advantage among cushion-forming perennials such as aubrieta or thyme.

Bees like to visit the small bells. Voles and deer usually avoid fritillaries. A light scent has also been noted. In a sunny, well-drained spot the plant can slowly spread. The dainty stems are also suitable for a small vase. To show off the little bells, plant several bulbs close together in a group. This creates a splash of colour that stands out immediately in the rock garden.

Planting

Plant the bulbs from September to November in a sunny spot. Set them tip upwards 8–10 cm deep and 8–10 cm apart. The soil must be very free-draining; mix in gravel or sand, as this species does not tolerate wet conditions.

Care

Leave the foliage after flowering until it yellows. It can stay dry in summer. Avoid waterlogging, especially in winter. After flowering, move pots to a spot sheltered from rain.

Specifications

Botanical name: Fritillaria michailovskyi
Genus: Fritillaria
Class: Various
Supplied as: Flower bulbs
Flower colour: Red, Yellow
Flowering time: April
Flowering season: Spring
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 10 cm
Habit: Upright
Position: Sun
Suitable for: Bed, Rock garden, Wildlife garden and meadow, Cutting garden
Soil type: Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Planting time: August, September, October, November, December
Planting depth: 8–10 cm
Spacing: 8–10 cm
Number per m²: 100
Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
For containers: Only partly suitable for containers
Container note: Only recommended in a sufficiently large, stable, well-drained container.
Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Partly suitable
Naturalising note: Can return for several years. Spreading on its own is not guaranteed for this variety, however.
For bees and butterflies: Pollinator-friendly
Deer and rodent resistant: Yes
RHS hardiness: H5