Grow Persian Lily Flowers for Dark Garden Drama

Persian Lily Care

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• Common name: Persian lily
• Scientific name: Fritillaria persica
• Zones 4 to 8
• Light needs: Full sun to part shade
• Soil needs: Well-draining

Persian lily flowers provide vertical interest to a spring garden, with 20 to 30 dark plum, bell-shaped blooms lining up in alternating rows on slender sturdy stalks.

Though around since 1573, this perennial is still not widely planted in U.S. gardens. This unique member of the lily family is native to Middle Eastern countries.

The blue-gray, rabbit- and deer-resistant foliage alone makes it worth growing. Grow them en masse for a dramatic effect in your garden borders.

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Plant the bulbs pointy side up, approximately 5 to 7 inches deep, during fall before the ground freezes. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and full sun to part shade for the best results. The bulbs may rot in overly wet and soggy soils. However, they are a good choice for growing near black walnut trees.

Check out the top 10 bulbs to plant in fall that you aren’t growing yet.

Benefits of Growing Persian Lily

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From mid-to-late spring Persian lily puts on quite a show with its flowers, which range from deep purple to cream. For especially vibrant color, try growing the exotic looking variety Green Dreams.

The flowers can tower over the garden, maxing out at 3 feet tall. Each stalk holds dozens of blossoms that butterflies and other pollinators love.

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It’s an excellent cut flower, adding drama to bouquets and floral arrangements. These perennials are low-maintenance, just watch out for slug and snail damage on the foliage. Pair them with yellow and white tulips for a gorgeous complimentary color display.

Next, learn how to grow Oriental lilies and Asiatic lilies.