Plant of the Week: Fritillaria

Hi Guys. Now that we're full-on into spring, it's getting more difficult to choose just one plant to feature each week. I contemplated between Fritillaria, Clematis alpina 'Constance' and Lathyrus vernus 'Albo Roseus'. The latter two will wait but the Frits probably won't, especially if they get pummeled by more hail, so this week I'll feature them. 

Fritillaria meleagris in my woodland garden

Fritillaria are small, fall-planted bulbs--one of the "minor bulbs" if you will. They require a good winter chill in order to bloom. There are many species of Fritillaria. We're talking about probably the most common one here, Fritillaria meleagris.

Fritillaria above a carpet of Oxalis oregana 

There are common names, like Snake's Head Fritillary, Checkered Lilies and a bunch more you can read about here. But I think Fritillaria rolls off the tongue just fine so I call them that, or Frits for short.

Isn't that the cutest little checkered lantern?

This white one is cute too, yes? It is called Fritillaria meleagris alba.

A few years ago it was easy to purchase Fritillaria bulbs at WinCo grocery store. Twice a year--late summer and late winter--they have a huge display of inexpensive yet quality bulbs for sale. 

However, in the past few years Fritillaria have not been included as an option. Maybe they will have them again this fall. If they do, I'm going to grab about six boxes!

Fritillaria uva-vulpis

 I also have a small clump of Fritillaria uva-vulpis growing in another section of my garden. I bought these in a four inch pot from a roadside stand several years ago. They haven't increased much but they bloom reliably and make me happy.

And that is my plant of the week. I hope you're enjoying these segments. Thank you to all of you who take the time to comment. I love you. Stay safe and stay home.

April Showers

April has been super rainy in these parts. Record rainfall last weekend has brought all kinds of havoc with flooding in Corvallis.

My middle daughter and I walked around yesterday to get a glimpse of this historic event. Apparently in 1996, the water rose to about this same level. And apparently they didn't do enough to fix the high water issues. 

The only upside to all this water is that once it recedes it should expose some very pretty rocks.  And I've got some new boots for wading. More on that in a minute. But first, despite the rain, the plants are doing their spring thing.

My favorite Narcissus -- 'Geranium' ... so fragrant!

Ribes sanguineum 'Pulsborough Scarlet'

Clematis alpina 'Constance' is just starting to bloom

Last fall at the local nursery I picked up the below Clematis for $3.00. The label said C. 'Markham's Pink' which it clearly is not. But that's okay because I already have Markham anyway. (I couldn't pass up a bargain.) But what is the bargain's real identity? Hmm...

Mystery alpina Clematis

The Polygala are late to bloom this year. At least the yellow one is. It's kind of nice to see them bloom at the same time. And the early bumblebees (not pictured) love the flowers too. 

Polygala chamaebuxus and P. c. 'Kaminski' (the purple one)

 

Lathyrus vernus 'Albo Roseus' under a scattering of spent Star Magnolia petals

 And right beside the Lathyrus is the Pulsatilla.

Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Red Bells'

Pulsatilla vulgaris 

A recent nursery visit and this Anisodontea just flew into my cart. This time I'm going to make a serious effort to winter it over successfully. 

Anisodentea x 'Tara's Pink'

I got this Butterfly Iris last fall from Pat at Secret Garden Growers. I still don't have it planted in the garden but it's blooming anyway.

Butterfly Iris ~ Iris x Nada

In the garden we've got some happy plants too. I'm really thankful for all of the new growth on this Daphne bholua.   

Daphne bholua

The burgundy foliage on the ornamental rhubarb is always so cool.

Rheum palmatum var. tanguiticum

 

Syneilesis palmata

Fritillaria meleagris in a sea of Oxalis oregana

 And now for some wide garden shots--the good and not so good.

If you look closely, you'll see a sapsucker in the neighbor's arborvitae. They seem to be nesting somewhere nearby because they're regular visitors now.

The aforementioned boots, remember? Well, I got an email from Emily at The Original Muck Book Company inviting me to sample a pair of boots of my choice. How cool is that? I thought the Women's Muckster II Clogs would be perfect for working in the garden, especially since the ones I've been using are toast. Aren't these perty?

Yes. I wore them out in the rain before taking these photos. (Wink). They felt great. Kind of springy and cushy and warm!

Emily was apparently feeling very generous because she also included the Women's Muckster II Mid!

I will be using these to wade in the rivers and creeks during my rock hounding adventures.

 

Thank you Emily. If you're looking for footwear, check out The Original Muck Boot Company. They have women's, men's and children's quality footwear.

Thanks for visiting. I hope you're getting spring weather in your neck of the woods.