Fritillaria
Messanensis Subsp Gracilis
Fritillaria messanensis subsp gracilis is a beautiful, easy-to-grow spring flowering fritillaria bulb with slender stems topped by 1-3 nodding, bell-shaped flowers in soft caramel to jade-green tones, often lightly chequered with plum, and finished with glowing golden-yellow interiors. Subtle but seriously eye-catching, it’s an ideal choice for gardeners wanting something a little different from standard spring bulbs.
This Balkan fritillaria suits rock gardens, gravel gardens, raised beds, pots, and free-draining borders, where the flowers can be enjoyed up close. It’s also a great companion to daffodils, species tulips, and other woodland-style spring planting.
How to grow: Plant fritillaria bulbs in autumn in free-draining soil in sun to part shade. Water in well and keep lightly moist during active growth, then reduce watering as foliage dies back and the bulb goes dormant over summer.
Height: Approximately 30 to 45 cm
Flowering: Spring (mid season)
Fritillarias (Fritillaria spp.) are great for colder climates - they add a boost of colour and texture to the spring garden. Delicate drooping bell shaped blooms in yellows, oranges and bronze.
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Planting Season: The best time to plant Fritillaria bulbs is March to May (but, as soon as you receive your bulbs, you should get them planted... they don't like being out of the ground for long) This allows the bulbs to establish roots before the chillier winter months.
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Sunlight: Fritillarias thrive in partial shade. If you're in a warm region like us, it is particularly important, as they need protection from the intense heat that summer throws at us! Planting at the root zone with trees and shrubs helps with the conditions that they need.
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Soil Type: Well-draining soil is a must, so avoid waterlogged areas, or clay type soils. If you're worried, plant them in a pot. Fritillaria bulbs are prone to rot in overly wet conditions.
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Shelter: Choose a sheltered spot to protect taller varieties from strong winds, which can damage their delicate stems.
For a full overview of how to plant Fritillaria visit our Fritillaria Growing Guide.
We’ve answered some of the common questions about buying our bulbs and the payment/delivery process. We want you to buy with confidence, so if your question is not answered in our FAQ please don't hesitate to ask!
