Persian lily
fritillaria persica
Also known as: ["Persian fritillary","checkered lily"]
Overview
A striking bulbous perennial with pendulous, checkered flowers in shades of purple, brown, and green, native to the Middle East.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Fritillaria |
| Botanical Name: | Fritillaria persica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering in late spring; remove dead foliage in late summer or fall as it yellows and dies back.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid deep shade for best flowering; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; adjust frequency based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot; amend heavy soils before planting; avoid overwatering in poorly draining soil.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but requires a cool dormant period.
Protect from extreme cold or heat; maintain moderate temperatures during active growth; ensure a cool dormant period for bulb health.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb rot; apply fertilizer before watering to prevent burning roots; focus on phosphorus and potassium for blooms.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; occasionally from seed (slow process).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up bulbs after foliage dies back.
- Separate offsets from the mother bulb.
- Replant immediately at the correct depth.
Best Time: After foliage dies back in late summer or early fall for bulb division; seeds can be sown in autumn.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with high humidity for seedlings; bulbs prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite or grit.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division; rooting hormone may help with seedlings.
Timeline
Bulbs can be divided and planted immediately; seeds may take 2–3 years to germinate and several years to flower.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, clean pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; store divided bulbs in a cool, dry place if not planting immediately; label new plantings for tracking.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks just below the base after blooming; cut foliage back only after it has fully yellowed and died.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing spent flower stalks and dead foliage to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors; disinfect tools between cuts to prevent disease.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers promptly to encourage bulb energy storage; wait for foliage to die back before cutting; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after foliage has died back and before the next growing season begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot or hole that is 2–3 times the width of the bulb; ensure depth is 2–3 times the bulb’s height.
Method
Carefully lift bulbs; remove old or damaged ones; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil with adequate spacing.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing bulbs unnecessarily as they resent transplant shock.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; replant at correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season and growth stage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom of the pot or soil is moistened to a depth of 6–8 inches; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce watering significantly in late summer and fall as foliage dies back; avoid watering during dormancy in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, sand, or grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or failure to flower in overly cold or warm conditions; bud drop or wilting in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes; prolonged cold can damage bulbs or prevent flowering; frost can injure foliage but bulbs are usually hardy.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; avoid planting in areas prone to extreme cold or frost pockets; ensure bulbs are planted at the correct depth for insulation.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to scorch, buds to abort, or premature dormancy; may lead to dehydration and root stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply during heatwaves; ensure good air circulation to reduce heat buildup.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid during dormancy; follow package instructions for dilution.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; discontinue fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicFritillaria persica is toxic to cats, with the bulbs and flowers containing substances that can induce severe gastrointestinal and systemic reactions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe bulbs and flowers of Fritillaria persica are toxic to dogs, containing compounds that can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset and other systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicFritillaria persica contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to discomfort rather than severe toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Fritillaria persica grow?
A: It typically reaches 2 to 3 feet in height.
Q: When does Fritillaria persica bloom?
A: It blooms in late spring to early summer.
Q: Is Fritillaria persica deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its strong scent.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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