Pack of 10 bulbs

shipping time : Late September to Late October

Fritillaria michailovskyi

Fritillaria michailovskyi is a small but captivating treasure—its pendulous bells rich in velvety plum-purple, each tipped with a neat band of glowing golden yellow. The contrast is striking yet refined, like a jewel set in fine metalwork. Compact and graceful, these fritillaries flower in mid-spring, their nodding heads catching the light and revealing their subtle two-tone beauty.

Though modest in stature—just 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall—they carry remarkable presence when planted in groups. They are particularly effective at the front of a border, in pots, or tucked into gravel and rock gardens, where their unusual coloring can be admired up close. Left undisturbed, they will naturalize gently, forming little clusters that return each spring.

Position: Best in full sun and very well-drained soil. Ideal for gravel gardens, raised beds, or containers, where their bulbs are kept from winter wet.

How to Plant & Grow Fritillaria michailovskyi

Quick Planting Guide (for product card / at a glance)

Planting time: Fall, before the ground freezes
Soil: Light, sandy, well-draining, enriched with organic matter
Depth & spacing: 3–4" deep, 3–4" apart
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Bloom: Mid–late spring

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the bulbs
Fritillaria michailovskyi bulbs are small, with a slightly pointed top. Handle gently, as bulbs can be fragile.
If bulbs appear dry, soak in lukewarm water for 1–2 hours before planting to rehydrate.

2. Choose the planting site
Select a spot with excellent drainage — fritillaries dislike sitting in wet soil.
A sloping bed, rock garden, or raised bed works especially well.
Enrich the soil with compost and a handful of grit or sand if your soil is heavy.

3. Plant the bulbs
Plant 3–4" deep and 3–4" apart.
The pointed end faces upward; if unsure, plant sideways and the shoots will find their way up.
Cover gently with soil and water well after planting.

4. Growing on & care

• Watering: Keep soil lightly moist during active growth in spring. Do not overwater during dormancy.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer or compost tea in early spring as shoots emerge.

• Mulching: A thin layer of leaf mold or compost helps retain moisture and protects bulbs over winter.

5. Bloom time
Fritillaria michailovskyi produces dainty, nodding, bell-shaped flowers in rich maroon with golden yellow tips. Blooms appear mid–late spring and last for several weeks.

6. After flowering
Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulb for next year’s flowers.
Once dormant, bulbs prefer drier conditions — avoid summer watering where possible.
In wetter climates, bulbs may be lifted after foliage fades, dried, and stored in a cool, airy place until replanting in fall.

Tips for Success

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

• Combine with species tulips, muscari, or anemones for a jewel-toned spring display.

• Protect from overly wet winters by planting in raised beds or adding grit to the soil.