Pyrenean Fritillary
fritillaria pyrenaica
Also known as: ["Pyrenean Lily","Snake's Head Fritillary"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with distinctive chequered purple and green flowers, native to the Pyrenees mountains.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Fritillaria |
| Botanical Name: | Fritillaria pyrenaica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock garden or alpine trough
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–8"}
- 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 each spring; occasional removal of dead foliage in autumn.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; avoid placing in direct, harsh sun without acclimation.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pot for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of loam, sand, and compost; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from extreme cold or heat; maintain consistent cool conditions during dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing; fertilize only during active growth; stop fertilizing in summer dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; bulb division can also be done when bulbs are mature.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds or divide bulbs.
- Sow seeds shallowly or plant divided bulbs at appropriate depth.
- Keep moist and cool.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall for bulb division; seeds can be sown in autumn or spring.
Environment
Cool temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C), high humidity, and partial shade for seeds; similar conditions for bulb division.
Medium
Well-drained seed starting mix or bulb compost for seeds; sandy, loamy soil for bulb division.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Seeds may take 2–3 years to germinate and several years to flower; bulb division can produce flowering plants in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, small trowel, seed trays, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in autumn for natural cold stratification; divide bulbs only when necessary to avoid stress.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; remove yellowing or dead leaves carefully.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks to redirect energy to bulb development.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; trim dead foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after dormancy ends and before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs, remove old soil, inspect for damage, replant at original depth with fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing bulbs unnecessarily.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; plant at correct depth; ensure drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at base; ensure drainage; reduce watering in summer.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring) and reduce watering in summer dormancy; avoid waterlogged soil at all times.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; rot or failure to emerge in cold, waterlogged soil.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage or delay growth if soil remains wet; bulbs may rot in poorly drained cold soil.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; mulch bulbs in winter; protect from frost in cold climates.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to scorch, flower buds to abort, or premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply at base; fertilize only in spring; cease during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once in early spring as growth begins.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicFritillaria pyrenaica is toxic to cats, with the bulbs and leaves containing cardiotoxic glycosides that can cause severe gastrointestinal and cardiac problems. The toxins disrupt normal physiological functions and can be life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe bulbs and leaves of Fritillaria pyrenaica are toxic to dogs, containing compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and cardiac issues. The toxins can lead to electrolyte imbalances and affect heart function.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicFritillaria pyrenaica contains toxic compounds, primarily cardiotoxic glycosides, which can affect the cardiovascular system and cause gastrointestinal distress. The toxins interfere with electrolyte balance and cardiac function.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Fritillaria pyrenaica toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should I care for Fritillaria pyrenaica?
A: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in partial shade, water moderately, and ensure good air circulation to prevent rot.
Q: Does Fritillaria pyrenaica attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it beneficial for wildlife gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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