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Description
Fritillaria Gibbosa, also known as the ‘Lilac Fritillary’, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing in rocky and stony areas, meadows, and open woodland. The plant produces a single stem, which can grow up to 30cm tall. It blooms in late spring to early summer, producing lilac-purple bell-shaped flowers with white markings. The plant’s bulbs are edible, but they have a strong taste and are not commonly eaten.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Fritillaria |
| Species | Gibbosa |
Appearance
Fritillaria Gibbosa has lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 10cm long. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and have a bluish-green color. The stem produces a single flower that can be up to 3cm long. The bell-shaped flower has six petals that are lilac-purple with white markings. The flowers are pendulous, meaning they hang downward from the stem. The plant’s bulbs are oblong and can be up to 5cm long.
Care Guide
Fritillaria Gibbosa is not a difficult plant to care for, but it does require some attention. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering during the dormant season.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring before it starts to grow.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Fritillaria Gibbosa is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:- Aphids: These small insects can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, which can weaken it. To control aphids, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap.- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. To control them, use a slug bait or handpick them off the plant.- Botrytis blight: This disease can cause the flowers and leaves of the plant to rot. To control it, remove any infected plant parts and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Fritillaria Gibbosa is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing in rocky and stony areas, meadows, and open woodland. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Fritillaria Gibbosa a poisonous plant?
A: No, Fritillaria Gibbosa is not poisonous, but its bulbs have a strong taste and are not commonly eaten.
Q: Can Fritillaria Gibbosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Fritillaria Gibbosa can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s bulb.
Q: When should I plant Fritillaria Gibbosa?
A: You should plant Fritillaria Gibbosa in the fall, so it has time to establish itself before it blooms in the spring.
Q: How do I propagate Fritillaria Gibbosa?
A: Fritillaria Gibbosa can be propagated by dividing its bulbs in the fall.
Related Plants
– Fritillaria Imperialis- Fritillaria Meleagris- Fritillaria Uva-Vulpis
References
– “Fritillaria Gibbosa” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 8, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281164.- “Fritillaria Gibbosa” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed October 8, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/5156/i-fritillaria-gibbosa-i/details.- “Fritillaria Gibbosa” Gardening Know How. Accessed October 8, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/fritillaria/growing-fritillaria-bulbs.htm.
