Persian lily ‘Ivory Bells’

Fritillaria persica ‘Ivory Bells’ grows best when its large bulb is planted in well-drained soils with full-sun exposure. Given the native range of the species, Persian lily does well in sandy, rocky soils and hot, dry garden areas. Be careful to not plant bulbs in soils that remain wet for too long, as the large (and expensive) bulbs are susceptible to fungal rots.

Persian lily bulbs are somewhat uncommon in the horticultural trade and can be expensive to buy. Fritillaria persica will only bloom from large-sized bulbs, which take many years to produce before they can be sold to gardeners. Also, the scarlet lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii) can take a toll on plants by eating flowers, leaves, and stems. .