A stately plant that produces a large cluster of orange flowers. Will reach 24"-30" in height.
Pronunciation
(frit-il-AR-ee-uh)
Plant Type
All Plants, Bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizoms, etc.
Hardiness Zone
5-7
Sunlight
full
Moisture
Some sources list the soil requirements as rich well drained others as well drained and rather poor. In my experience the well drained aspect seems to be the most important. Planting in water logged soils will lessen the chances for success.
Soil & Site
average
Flowers
A cluster of pendant flowers of orange/burnt orange borne near the top of the plant. Tear-like drops of nectar form at the tips of edges of the petals. Flowers have a musky smell but don’t seem to be bothersome unless you stick your nose in the flower or a light breeze wafts the smell away from the flower
Leaves
The plant forms a single stalk. The bottom half is surrounded with whorls of glossy, strap-like leaves. The flowers are topped with a cluster of pineapple-like leaves. In the early spring the tip emerges as a bronze colored spear
Stems
Bulbs are large, with scales and somewhat smelly. The smell maybe an evolutionary trait to keep away pests. Stem is bare above the leaves until it merges with the cluster of pendant flowers.
Dimensions
The plants reach 24"-36" and should be planted 8" deep 1-2 bulbs per square foot. Plant a drift of 3 bulbs 10"-12" on center for an imposing display. This is a rather expensive bulb but well worth the cost
Propagation
bulbbs
Notes & Reference
#57-Spring Flowering Bulbs (Dr. A.A. DeHertogh), #59-Naturalizing Bulbs (Rob Proctor), #60-The American Gardeners World of Bulbs (Judy Glattstein)