Fritillaria persica Twintowers Tribute

The Fritillaria persica 'Twintowers Tribute' is a new form of the interesting Persian Fritillary for its ability to flower more regularly on one hand, and to produce twin flower stems per bulb on the other hand. Two tall and adorned flower stems with almost black bell-shaped flowers that make a great impact in raised beds and sunny rockeries. The stems adorned with beautiful matte gray-green-blue foliage are very ornamental even outside of the flowering period. Native to the mountains of Persia, this bulbous plant acclimatizes quite easily in our gardens if we take care to plant it in the sun, in well-drained soil. Majestic and elegant, it will be enhanced in the midst of tulips or white narcissus, for example.

The Fritillaria persica belongs to the Liliaceae family. It originates from an area ranging from Jordan to Iran, and is quite widespread in Western Asia. It is a plant from relatively dry mountainous environments in winter, where it is found growing in dry rockeries but also along paths or fields, between 500 and 1200 meters (1640 and 3937 feet) above sea level, often on limestone soil. There is a significant variation within this species, which is manifested by the existence of very rare forms, like 'Twintowers Tribute'.

'Twintowers Tribute' develops from a large scaly bulb measuring up to 8 cm (3in) in diameter, which fears winter humidity. The buds vigorously emerge from the ground in February-March, then quickly elongate to form two tall stems reaching a height of 70 to 80 cm (28 to 32in) at the time of flowering, in April. Each stem is adorned with entire and shortly lanceolate leaves, regularly staggered and spirally arranged up to a height of 40 cm (16in). They have a beautiful matte gray-green-blue colour. Each stem ends in a more than 30 cm (12in) long spike, bearing 15 to 20 large trailing bell-shaped flowers packed tightly together. Their colour, almost black when they open, gradually turns to reddish-brown and then plum. The petals, like the leaves, appear covered with a light silvery bloom. Their pleasant scent attracts pollinating insects. After pollination, a cylindrical and erect fruit forms, which will release numerous flat seeds when ripe. The above-ground vegetation of the Persian Fritillary Twintowers Tribute disappears in summer, and the plant enters a dormant period. At this time of year, the soil should be rather dry, but not arid.

As spectacular as the Imperial Fritillary, which is much better known, the majestic Persian Fritillary surpasses it in elegance. Give it a good place in the rockery or in a bed that will not retain water, neither in winter nor in summer. This sumptuous Twintowers Tribute variety naturally pairs well with pale green or ivory flower forms. You can also choose it as a companion for the Blue Glacier Euphorbia, the corbeille d'argent, silver silver artemisias, garden irises, or shrubby salvias that will somewhat mask its absence in summer and winter. The Persian Fritillary adds verticality to tulip and narcissus beds, just like Eremurus.

Another advantage is that their bulbs emit an odor that repels rodents, especially moles. They will therefore protect your tulip bulbs from their attacks without bothering you; the smell is imperceptible once the bulb is planted.