Fritillaria Michailovskyi, commonly called Fritillary or Michael’s flower can get overlooked in the xeric gardens. They tend to favor a very specific patch with quite a bit of mulch. Little by little they have been expanding and look happy in their designated spot in the xeric garden. However, if you don’t know where and what to look for, you could walk right by and miss these little gems!
Many of the low-growing, early spring flowers appear to be in various shades of purples like the Dwarf Iris, Pasque flowers and Grape Hyacinths. However, these demure spring flowers are in a whole other color category. Rather than purple, they have maroon and yellow-tipped, bell shaped flowers.
An Appearance of Innocence
Given this is the only place I have ever seen them growing, I’m grateful when they emerge in the gardens. With camera in hand, I enjoy capturing a few photo moments of these precious little wonders.
I find there is an innocence to these flowers. Almost seeming shy in the manner in which they appear to bow their little maroon and yellow flower heads. It’s kind of hard to put into words the feeling these little fellas evoke. Perhaps it’s just my perception and amazement?
With their flower shape and leaves, they remind me of the Lily of the Valley flowers of my childhood back in NJ. I recall a few of these white little wonders in our backyard….
As it turns out, Fritillaria Michailovskyi (Michael’s Flower) is actually a species of flowering plant in the lily family Liliaceae,. They are a is a bulbous perennial flowering plant with grassy foliage. The flower heads with a waxy-like surface are about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. On the inside the flower petals are mustard yellow color.
These amazing little gems grow wild in the mountains of Turkey which makes them ideal for rock gardens. They are also drought tolerant. Given their origins, perhaps that’s way they do so well and continue to expand/naturalize in the xeric gardens.
Michael’s Flower in Your Garden
From my research, not only do these bell-like flowers with bright yellow trim do well in rock gardens, but they can be grown in patio pots as well. Another perk is that they are deer and critter resistant. Small but mighty – gotta love that in a little spring flower!
I must say, they do have a “charming and fanciful” look with their “nodding, bell shaped blooms”. They could indeed grace your garden space with “a bit of uncommonly pretty color”.
With maroon and yellow flowers, they are not your usual color combination for sure 🙂