A striking and graceful bulb, Fritillaria recurva is native to the rugged wilds of southern Oregon and northern California, where spring rains awaken open oak woodlands, grassy slopes, and chaparral edges. Here, in well-drained soils often born of volcanic rock, its elegant, nodding bells glow in rich scarlet to orange-red, sometimes delicately checkered and kissed with yellow at the base, the tepals curling back in a playful flourish that gives the plant its name. I usually know that if I am going to see this plant in nature I will likely get a poison oak rash at some point, very jealous of those that are immune.
In its native haunts, F. recurva is a beacon for early pollinators—especially hummingbirds, which are irresistibly drawn to its pendant, nectar-rich flowers. Its bright blooms sway lightly in the breeze, catching the sun like stained glass and offering a welcome feast to the winged visitors of spring.
In cultivation, F. recurva thrives best in conditions that echo its wild origins: well-drained, gritty or sandy soils, with a dry summer rest and winter–spring moisture. It flourishes in full sun to light shade and benefits from planting on a slope or in a raised bed to ensure excellent drainage. Plant bulbs deeply—three to five times their height—and allow them to remain undisturbed for years. Perfect for naturalizing in open woodland gardens or adding a jewel-like splash to a rock garden. Hardy to USDA Zones 5–8, provided soils remain dry during summer dormancy.
This offering is for 3 bulbs of mixed sizes, ranging from medium to small.
A striking and graceful bulb, Fritillaria recurva is native to the rugged wilds of southern Oregon and northern California, where spring rains awaken open oak woodlands, grassy slopes, and chaparral edges. Here, in well-drained soils often born of volcanic rock, its elegant, nodding bells glow in rich scarlet to orange-red, sometimes delicately checkered and kissed with yellow at the base, the tepals curling back in a playful flourish that gives the plant its name. I usually know that if I am going to see this plant in nature I will likely get a poison oak rash at some point, very jealous of those that are immune.
In its native haunts, F. recurva is a beacon for early pollinators—especially hummingbirds, which are irresistibly drawn to its pendant, nectar-rich flowers. Its bright blooms sway lightly in the breeze, catching the sun like stained glass and offering a welcome feast to the winged visitors of spring.
In cultivation, F. recurva thrives best in conditions that echo its wild origins: well-drained, gritty or sandy soils, with a dry summer rest and winter–spring moisture. It flourishes in full sun to light shade and benefits from planting on a slope or in a raised bed to ensure excellent drainage. Plant bulbs deeply—three to five times their height—and allow them to remain undisturbed for years. Perfect for naturalizing in open woodland gardens or adding a jewel-like splash to a rock garden. Hardy to USDA Zones 5–8, provided soils remain dry during summer dormancy.
This offering is for 3 bulbs of mixed sizes, ranging from medium to small.
