Fritillaria 2010

[Alex]

Thanks, Lesley. I have another form which is very poor by comparison, small flowers. Since I get seed most years on this one I can certainly send you some more, assuming it does as it should again this Summer.

Alex

[Regelian]

I picked up a potted F. raddeana at the Oirlicher Galanthustagen yesterday and wanted to know what it prefers for ground.  Should I treat it similar to F. imperialis?  More moisture or less?

thanks

[art600]

In 2004 when I visited Iran, I collected seed of a Fritillaria growing near the Iraqi border.  I gave some to Alan Edwards because he is an excellent grower of all things bulbous and other things as well.

The following photos show the very beautiful Frit in flower for the first year.  I am advised by Bob & Rannveig that it is Fritillaria uva- vulpis aff. 

[art600]

When I visited the Discussion Weekend last year, I was delighted to get some Fritillaria rice in the Bulb Exchange.

All have grown on and I show just 2 of the potfuls.  these are a real bonus from what was an outstanding weekend.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Very nice Frits Art !
Must be even more fun having collected the seed yourself ! 

[Gerdk]

I picked up a potted F. raddeana at the Oirlicher Galanthustagen yesterday and wanted to know what it prefers for ground.  Should I treat it similar to F. imperialis?  More moisture or less?
thanks

Jamie,
Because I'm not a frits specialist I unfortunately can't tell much concerning your question. My one and only Fritillaria raddeana did well in a larger plastic pot - in a 'normal' potting mix and 'normal' watering during growth. Not totally dry when in rest.
After I planted it in the open garden - full sun, good drainage caused by some trees and shrubs - neutral soil - it flowered beautifully one year, next year it disappeared.

I fear this isn't much but perhaps there is a more experienced grower who can add something which is of more help.

Gerd

[Regelian]

Gerd,

thanks!  I'm gonna treat it like F. imperialis , which does well in certain parts of the garden and not others.  Seems to like compost-rich moist soil, that dries off in the Summer.

Jamie

[Lesley Cox]

The question about F. raddeana is really one the bulb despot could best answer. but my general impression (from very limited experience) is that raddeana prefers more moisture than imperialis, even when dormant. It should be quite frost hardy as it collapses in a good frost but perks up as the day goes on.

[Lesley Cox]

Art, your aff. uva-vulpis is very attractive indeed. Do you think it could be a hybrid? I certainly wouldn't have thought of uva-vulpis even though the foliage is bright green and glossy.

[Maggi Young]

Good point about Art's frit. perhaps being a hybrid, Lesley... we wondered that too.


We find that F. raddeana does better for us in the garden than imperialis, for the most part! Nice sunny spot, well drained but not arid....just fine!  

[Sinchets]

Fritillaria raddeana grew outside for me in England and is happily bulking up from seedlings oustide here too. The site it is in is dry in summer, but as the bulbs are at least 20cm deep they will probably not be baked dry. Our F.imperialis do better in a more humic soil in part shade here.
Could Art's frit have a bit of pinardii in it? It looks like some of the pinardii forms I have from Buried Treasure.

[art600]

Maggi, Lesley, Simon

I was surprised when Bob & Rannveig said it was Frit uva-vulpis.  Not aware of any other Frits growing nearby.

Bob & Rannveig showed a potful of something very similar at the Early Spring Show.

[Sinchets]

Art, well I'd certainly think more like assyriaca than uva-vulpis. What is the stigma like? What was the plant at the show labelled as.

[art600]

Simon

Their pot was labelled Frit. uva-vulpis aff.

I attach a poor photo of the sexy bits, showing the stigma

[Gerry Webster]

I've just had a look at Flora of Turkey. In Arthur's pic   the style looks to be undivided so not F. assyriaca. I'd be inclined to go with Bob & Rannveig - they do know their frits.