Pack of 20 bulbs

shipping time : Late September to Late October

Fritillaria uva-vulpis

Fritillaria uva-vulpis is spring’s quiet surprise—slender, dusky bells that nod with an air of mystery and refinement. Each flower hangs like a pendant, cloaked in deep plum with a delicate edging of gold at the rim, as though dusted with sunlight. There is something almost medieval about them, a richness of color and form that feels both rare and timeless, yet they carry themselves with such modest grace.

Where tulips and daffodils may sing brightly, uva-vulpis offers a lower, more contemplative note—an undertone that gives depth to the spring garden. Their flowers, held on slim, upright stems, move with the wind, their nodding bells catching the light in subtle shifts of bronze, purple, and burnished yellow. They reward those who look closely, for it is in detail—the gleam at the edge of each petal, the fine arch of the stem—that their beauty truly lies.

Flowering in mid- to late spring, they rise to about 12–16 inches (30–40 cm), weaving easily among other bulbs without ever overwhelming. They make a natural partner to brighter spring companions, softening the scene and lending a sense of depth and harmony.

Position: Plant in full sun or light shade, in soil that drains freely yet retains enough moisture through spring. Allow them to naturalize in drifts, where their dusky bells can punctuate brighter bulbs and bring a subtle richness to the planting.

Style tip: Pair with pale narcissi such as ‘Thalia’ or with soft mauve tulips to highlight their golden rims, or tuck them among forget-me-nots and muscari for a painterly effect that feels both gentle and intricate.

How to Plant & Grow Fritillaria uva-vulpis

Quick Planting Guide

Planting time: Fall, before the ground freezes
Soil: Well-draining, sandy or loamy, moderately fertile
Depth & spacing: 3–4" deep, 3–4" apart
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Bloom: Mid–spring (April–May)

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the bulbs
Fritillaria uva-vulpis bulbs are small and pointed.
Plant promptly after purchase, as they can dry out if stored too long.

2. Choose the planting site
Select a spot with free-draining soil that doesn’t stay soggy in winter.
They thrive in borders, rock gardens, or naturalized in grassy areas.
If soil is heavy, improve with sand or grit to enhance drainage.

3. Plant the bulbs
Plant 3–4" deep and 3–4" apart.
The pointed end faces upward; if uncertain, plant bulbs sideways.
Water well after planting to help roots establish.

4. Growing on & care

• Watering: Keep lightly moist in spring during growth and bloom, but allow soil to dry somewhat in summer dormancy.

• Feeding: Add compost or a balanced bulb fertilizer in early spring as shoots appear.

• Mulching: A light mulch helps conserve moisture and protect bulbs over winter.

5. Bloom time
Fox’s Grape fritillary produces elegant, nodding bells in April–May — dusky purple with golden yellow tips, on slender 8–12" stems.

6. After flowering
Allow foliage to die back naturally so the bulb can store energy for next year.
In good conditions, bulbs may self-seed and slowly naturalize into larger clumps.
In damp climates, lifting and replanting every few years helps prevent bulb loss.

Tips for Success

• Plant in clusters of 5–7 for the best natural effect.

• Mix with other small spring bulbs like scilla, muscari, or miniature narcissus for a woodland look.

• Ensure good drainage — these bulbs dislike waterlogged soil more than anything.