Persian Lily Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman'
ABOUT
Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman', commonly known as Persian Fritillary, is a striking and unique plant that exhibits a tall, spire-like cluster of pendulous, bell-shaped flowers. These blooms are a deep purple, almost black color, giving the plant a dramatic and exotic flair. The leaves of the Persian Fritillary are narrow and glossy, adding a lush green contrast to the dark flowers. They are usually arranged in whorls along the stem, which adds to the plant's architectural structure and visual interest. This combination of the dark, almost gothic blossoms set against the green foliage contributes to its popularity in garden design where an elegant and somewhat mysterious ambiance is desired. The Persian Fritillary blooms in the spring, displaying its nodding flowers that can create a focal point in any garden arrangement. The overall silhouette of the plant is stately and impressive, with a natural poise that draws attention.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Persian Bells, Persian Fritillary, Adiyaman Fritillary
Common names
Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman'.
ToxicityTo humans
Persian Lily contains alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested by humans. These alkaloids can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting this plant could lead to cardiac complications or convulsions. Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming any part of the Persian Lily plant.
To pets
Persian Lily is also toxic to pets due to the presence of alkaloids. If pets ingest parts of this plant, they can experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or lethargy. Severe poisoning could potentially lead to tremors, cardiac abnormalities, or seizures. It is crucial to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting any portion of the Persian Lily to avoid these toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Purple
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
8-12 inches (20-30 centimeters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Middle East
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman', commonly known as Persian Bells, produces flowers which attract bees and other pollinators, thus contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Landscape Design: With its striking tall spikes and dark purple bell-shaped flowers, Persian Bells provide a strong architectural element to garden designs.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in the spring, Persian Bells add color and interest to the garden at a time when other plants are just beginning to grow.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Persian Bells are relatively drought resistant, making them suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in drier climates.
- Deer Resistance: The Fritillaria genus is generally resistant to deer, which makes Persian Bells a good choice for gardens in areas with a deer population.
- Ease of Care: Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is established in the right conditions.
- Rarity: The unique appearance of Persian Bells makes them a rare and intriguing addition, offering a differentiated aesthetic compared to more common flowers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The dark purple, almost black flowers of Fritillaria persica can be used as a natural dye to color fabrics and textiles, offering a unique hue that is difficult to replicate synthetically.
- The tall and striking profile of Fritillaria persica, reaching up to 3 feet, makes it a dramatic addition to cut flower arrangements and floral displays in ceremonial events.
- In landscape design, this plant can be used to create contrast and focal points in rock gardens due to its distinctive color and form.
- The seed pods of Fritillaria persica can be dried and used in decorative crafts, adding a natural and unique touch to homemade wreaths and ornaments.
- Photographers and artists often use the plant as a subject for botanical illustrations or to provide a dark, moody backdrop in garden photography.
- Gardeners might plant Fritillaria persica in and around vegetable gardens as an ornamental feature that can also potentially deter rodents with its skunky odor.
- The height and striking appearance of Fritillaria persica can be utilized in theater and stage design to create an illusion of an exotic, otherworldly landscape.
- Due to its unique appearance, Fritillaria persica is often used in educational settings such as botanical gardens for illustrating biodiversity and plant evolution to students.
- Enthusiasts of gothic or darker themed gardens might particularly prize Fritillaria persica for its aesthetic that complements such a theme well.
- Finally, the tough stems of Fritillaria persica, after the plant has died back, can be used in creating structural elements in small scale model making or as natural supports for other climbing plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Persian Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Persian Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Uniqueness: Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman', commonly known as Persian Lily, often represents uniqueness due to its distinct, almost otherworldly bell-shaped flowers and dark purple to black coloration, which stand out in any garden setting.
- Mystery: Persian Lily can symbolize mystery, given its deep, rich hues and subtle, nodding flowers that almost seem to conceal secrets within.
- Elegance: The tall, stately stems and graceful silhouette of the Persian Lily embody elegance, making them a symbol of refined beauty.
- Resilience: As a plant that emerges from a bulb and survives underground during difficult seasons, Persian Lilies are often associated with resilience and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Pride: Due to the Persian Lily's commanding presence and height, it can be associated with pride, both in a positive sense of self-respect and in the cautionary sense of arrogance if overemphasized.
WaterPersian Lily requires consistent moisture during the growing season, especially in spring and early summer. It should be watered every week, with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the dormant period, after the leaves have died back, reduce watering significantly to allow the soil to dry out, as they are prone to bulb rot if kept too wet in their dormancy. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely while the plant is in bloom.
LightPersian Lily thrives in full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily, while enjoying some shade during the hottest part of the day. Avoid heavy shade as it will not flower well without adequate sunlight.
TemperatureThe Persian Lily prefers temperate climates and can tolerate temperatures from about 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive winter cold down to 20°F but should be protected from extreme cold and frosts. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70°F to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning is not typically necessary for the Persian Lily aside from removing spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage bulb strength. The best time to remove these stalks is when they have fully died back and are easily pulled away from the bulb. This usually occurs in late summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPersian Fritillary prefers well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, ideally a mix of equal parts loam, sand, and peat or compost. The optimal pH for this soil mix should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingPersian Fritillary bulbs should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for bulb growth. They are best repotted after foliage dies back in late spring or summer.
Humidity & MistingPersian Fritillary thrives best in moderate humidity conditions, as excessively high humidity can facilitate fungal diseases. Aim for a humidity level around 40-50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Persian Lily ('Adiyaman' variety) begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is planted in the ground in the fall. In the spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, sending up a tall spike with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, the spike produces a dramatic stalk with dark purple, almost black, bell-shaped flowers in a dense raceme, often reaching up to 3 feet in height. After flowering, the plant sets seed and the foliage begins to yellow and wither as the plant goes into a period of dormancy in the summer. The bulb rests underground and conserves energy for the next growing season. When the conditions are right again, the cycle repeats with the bulb sprouting anew in spring, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman', commonly known as the Persian Lily, is by dividing the plant's bulbs. The ideal time to propagate by bulb division is in the late summer to early fall, when the plant is dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate the smaller bulblets from the main bulb. These bulblets are your future plants. Replant the bulblets immediately, placing them at a depth of about 5 inches (roughly 12.7 centimeters) in well-draining soil with the pointed end facing upwards. Water moderately to establish the new planting, but take care not to waterlog the soil as Persian Lilies are susceptible to bulb rot. This method of propagation is straightforward and allows gardeners to quickly multiply their stock of these striking ornamental plants.
