Photo of Fritillaria affinis flower by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Fritillaria affinis

Also Known As

  • Fritillaria lanceolata
  • Checker Lily
  • Checkerlily
  • Chocolate Lily

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 12"-36"
  • W: 12"-24"

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Fritillaria affinis plant details

Fritillaria affinis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring chocolate, purple and yellow flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry when dormant. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Fritillaria affinis

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: liliaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: chocolate, purple and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Fritillaria affinis

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer, rabbit and snail / slug, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Pacific Northwest native Checkerlily, also known as Chocolate Lily, checkered bells of burgundy and cream/green dangle from 12” stems (can reach 2’) May to June; native to grassy, moist meadows.  Plant in soils with decent drainage in sun to part shade, drought tolerant - prefers drier soil after bloom and can survive without supplemental water.  Deer, squirrel and rodent resistant. USDA Z5-9
Blooms: spring, brown-red & yellow Zone 5-9. 1'-3', PNW, part shade-sun, moist, well drained
Greenish-brown flowers with yellow spots.
Checkered flowers of cream and burgandy-brown make this fritillaria a special gem indeed. A native of western North America, this bulb puts on its floral display in the spring. Nodding bell shaped flowers and thin strappy green foliage. Growing to about a foot high, best in sun to part sun in areas that dry out in summer. Good drainage is also helpful. Frost hardy to USDA zone 5.
Western Oregon native bulb from grassy meadows. Beautiful mottled green and purple flowers on 18'' stems.

Gardening facts about Fritillaria affinis plant

How to Grow Fritillaria affinis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • purple
    • chocolate
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • deer resistant
    • snail / slug resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy
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