The Anatolian Fritillary

The Anatolian Fritillaria are in bloom now, this tall, handsome species that grows on rocky, limestone slopes from Turkey, and Cypress down to Palestine. I now have three distinct forms, a very light, the original "dark form" I got from Jane and now a nice selection I'm working on from seed grown from the "dark form"stock. This one is an easy, and tough plant. I've had it flower from seed in as little as 4 years.

Fritillaria acmopetala the lighter form

My second generation of seed grown form of Jane McGary's Fritillaria acmopetala 'Dark Form'

 I think this dark form seed selection is really quite stunning, especially with it's dainty yellow tips, and offset green on velvety purple tepals.

Charles Hervey Grey lists it as being introduced into cultivation from Asia Minor as early as 1834, and says it needs excellent drainage and a hot location. I've found them to be quite adaptable and they don't seem to be picky about where in the garden they want to go.

It rained good yesterday and it was 40 degrees out when I got up this morning, seems dark, chilly and more like late February out then it does mid April.

Cheers,
Mark