Fritillaria thunbergii

Also Known As

Checkered Lily
Chequered Lily

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 12"-24"
W: 12"

planting zones

6a-9b

More Options

Fritillaria thunbergii plant details

Fritillaria thunbergii is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring cream and green flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Fritillaria thunbergii

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: liliaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: cream and green blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, showy, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Fritillaria thunbergii

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Fritillaria thunbergii is a rare species from the "Stans" and western China. It can grow up to 3 feet tall with narrow, linear, bluish green leaves each with a curling tendril for attachment to nearby plants. The flowers are pendulous, pale yellow and bell-shaped sometimes with purple markings. Plant the bulb sideways to prevent rotting and mix sand or grit into the planting hole. Winter mulch in cool zones or afternoon shade in warmer ones. Good for naturalizing, most fritillaries contain poisonous alkaloids that protect them from rodents.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

In pots for January thru June shipments. For September thru November shipments please order bare root bulbs.- A rarely offered checkered lily that emerges early in the year. Here in Oregon anytime in February. On up to 2' stems, narrow, glaucous leaves ending in tendrils are arranged in whorls. The cream medium-sized flowers are bell-shaped, green tessellated (checkered) on the outside and crimson-purple on the inside. This fine early-bloomer is often sold as F. verticillata and possibly hardy to zone 5.