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Description
Fritillaria cirrhosa, also known as the Chinese fritillary, is a perennial bulbous plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is native to China, specifically the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, Shaanxi, and Sichuan. The plant can grow up to 20-30cm in height and produces bell-shaped flowers that are usually purple or white in color. It blooms from March to May.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Fritillaria |
Appearance
The leaves of Fritillaria cirrhosa are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring 5-15cm in length and 1-2cm in width. The flowers are bell-shaped and measure 2-3cm in length. The petals are usually purple or white in color and are marked with dark purple or green stripes. The plant produces a single flower per stem.
Care Guide
Water: Fritillaria cirrhosa prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.
Sunlight: Fritillaria cirrhosa prefers partial shade to full sun.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Fritillaria cirrhosa is susceptible to pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. It can also be affected by diseases such as basal rot and gray mold. To prevent these issues, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Pesticides can also be used to control pests.
Habitat
Fritillaria cirrhosa is native to China and can be found growing in alpine meadows, mountain slopes, and rocky areas at elevations of 2500-4500m. It prefers moist but well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Fritillaria cirrhosa toxic?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic if ingested. It contains alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Q: Can Fritillaria cirrhosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the bulb.
Q: How often should Fritillaria cirrhosa be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: When is the best time to plant Fritillaria cirrhosa?
A: The best time to plant the bulb is in the fall, before the first frost.
Related Plants
- Fritillaria imperialis
- Fritillaria meleagris
- Fritillaria michailovskyi
- Fritillaria persica
- Fritillaria uva-vulpis
References
- “Fritillaria cirrhosa” Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Accessed 1 May 2021.
- “Fritillaria cirrhosa” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 1 May 2021.
- “Fritillaria cirrhosa” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 1 May 2021.
