Fritillaria persica Adiyaman

Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' is a famous form of the Persian fritillary. This variety produces tall flower stems in early spring, adorned with dark purple, fragrant, and long-lasting bell-shaped flowers. The stems, adorned with beautiful matte bluish foliage, are very ornamental even when not in bloom. Native to the mountains of Persia, this bulbous plant acclimatises quite easily in our gardens if care is taken to place it in the sun, in well-drained soil. Majestic and elegant, it deserves a prominent place in rockeries or raised beds.

Fritillaria persica belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is native to an area ranging from Jordan to Iran and is widely found in Western Asia. It originates from regions with relatively dry mountainous environments in winter, where it can be found growing in rockeries and along paths or fields, between 500 and 1200m (1640 and 3937ft) above sea level, often in limestone soil. There is significant variation within this species, which is manifested by the existence of very rare forms with dark or almost green flowers. The cultivar 'Adiyaman', with dark brown flowers, is taller than the typical variety. It was awarded by the RHS in England for its ornamental qualities and performance in the garden. Its name is that of a city in southern Turkey, where the plant was probably discovered. However, this selection is slightly more delicate to cultivate than the usual wild species.

'Adiyaman' develops from a large scale-like bulb measuring up to 8cm (3in) in diameter, which is sensitive to winter moisture. The buds emerge vigorously from the ground in February-March, then quickly elongate to form tall stems reaching a height of 90cm (35in) at the time of flowering in April. Each stem is adorned with entire, shortly lanceolate leaves, regularly arranged and spirally inserted, up to a height of 40cm (16in). They have a beautiful matte grey-green-blue colour. Each stem terminates in a spike over 30cm (12in) long, bearing 15 to 20 large drooping bell-shaped flowers. Their colour is a very dark brownish-violet. The petals, like the leaves, appear to be covered with a slight silvery bloom. Their scent attracts pollinating insects. After pollination, a cylindrical and erect fruit is formed, which will release numerous flat seeds when ripe. The above-ground vegetation disappears in summer, and the plant enters a dormant phase. During this period of the year, the soil should be rather dry, just like in winter.

As spectacular as the Crown Imperial, which is better known, the majestic Persian fritillary surpasses it in elegance. Give it a prominent place in a rockery or in a bed that will not retain water, neither in winter nor in summer. This sumptuous 'Adiyaman' variety naturally pairs well with the 'Ivory Bells' form with pale flowers. You can also choose it as a companion to Euphorbia 'Blue Glacier', silver artemisias, garden irises, or shrubby salvias that will somewhat conceal its absence in summer and winter. The Persian fritillary brings verticality to tulip beds, just like eremurus.

Fritillary bulbs emit an odour that repels rodents, especially moles. They will protect your tulip bulbs from their attacks. The smell is imperceptible to humans once the bulb is planted.