Fox Grape Fritillary Fritillaria uva-vulpis

Water

Fox's Grape Fritillary requires moderate watering during the growing season, typically receiving about 1 inch of water weekly. It's best to water the plant deeply and less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent bulb rot. A good rule of thumb is to provide approximately 0.5 gallons every week during the active growth phase. Reduce watering after the foliage begins to die back post-flowering, as the plant enters dormancy.

Light

Fox's Grape Fritillary thrives in full to partial sunlight, so it's best to place it where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Though it can tolerate some shade, too much will reduce flowering. A spot that offers morning sunlight with afternoon shade is ideal for this plant to flourish.

Temperature

Fox's Grape Fritillary is hardy to USDA zones 5 through 8, preferring cooler climates. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F during dormancy, but the ideal growing temperature for the plant is between 60°F and 70°F during the active growth phase. Protect from extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 80°F may stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning is not necessary for Fox's Grape Fritillary, as the plant has a natural growth form that does not require shaping. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage better bulb growth for the next season. Always remove any yellowed or dying foliage at the end of the growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fox's Grape Fritillary thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with added grit for extra drainage. The ideal pH for this soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix could include equal parts of loam, leaf mold, and gravel or perlite to ensure good aeration and drainage.

Repotting

Fox's Grape Fritillary bulbs should be repotted every 2-3 years. It is best to repot them after the foliage has died down in summer, giving them time to settle before the next growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Fox's Grape Fritillary prefers average to low humidity levels. Overly humid conditions can promote fungal diseases, so ensure good air circulation if grown in environments with higher humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use well-draining soil, bright indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Fritillaria uva-vulpis, commonly known as the Fox's Grape Fritillary, undergoes a perennial life cycle with a dormant period as a bulb underground. In early spring, it sprouts and produces lance-shaped, glaucous leaves, creating a tuft of foliage at the soil surface. Following foliage growth, it develops a single flower stalk, which yields one to a few nodding, bell-shaped flowers with a characteristic purplish hue edged with golden yellow, typically in mid to late spring. After pollination, which is often accomplished by bees and other insects, the plant produces a dry, winged seed capsule that eventually splits open to disperse seeds. The above-ground parts of the plant wither away after seed dispersal, marking the end of the reproductive stage. The plant then goes back into dormancy during summer, with the underground bulb surviving to regrow the next spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Propogation: The Fox's Grape Fritillary, known by its botanical name Fritillaria uva-vulpis, is most commonly propagated through the division of its bulbs. The best time to propagate by bulb division is in the summer after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the smaller offset bulbs, which form around the base of the mother bulb. These offsets can be immediately replanted to the same depth as they were growing before, typically about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) deep, allowing adequate space for root and bulb formation. Once replanted, they should be watered in well and left undisturbed to establish and grow into new, flowering plants in subsequent years.