Fritillaria thunbergii

Fritillaria thunbergii is probably better known to phytotherapists, who call it zhe bei mu, than to amateur gardeners. It is a very pretty bulbous plant originating from Kazakhstan. It also grows under the cover of bamboo in western China. This species is distinguished by its beautiful flowering stems adorned with pale yellow-green bells, appearing from early spring. It will thrive and be very happy in partially shaded and cool areas of the garden, alongside other exotic-looking but hardy plants.

Fritillaria thunbergii belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is native to East Asia, where it is found in shaded and moist areas, from sea level up to 600m (1968ft) altitude. Its whitish bulb, measuring 20 to 30mm (1in) in diameter, is composed of thick scales. Its vegetation emerges from the ground in late winter or early spring. Over time, the plant spreads in width through the production of numerous daughter bulbs, forming lovely clumps. It produces brown stems that can reach up to 60cm (24in) in height when flowering, but more often around 40cm (16in), depending on growing conditions. The light green leaves are narrow and linear, ending in a sort of long tendril. They are gathered in small clusters or whorls on the stem. Flowering takes place from March to May. Several flowers, measuring 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, appear on the upper part of each stem, hanging towards the ground. The exterior of the corolla is pale-yellow, slightly tinged with green and often speckled, while the interior is adorned with a brown mosaic pattern. The plant goes dormant in summer.

Fritillaria thunbergii is particularly well-suited to cool understory environments, and it readily naturalises with Naples cyclamens, for example. The plant tolerates moderate summer drought once well established. Plant the bulbs deeply, under deciduous trees or non-invasive fargesia bamboos, for example. Its bright and delicate flowers pair well with those of daffodils, wood hyacinths, bleeding hearts, and corydalis, for example.