The Story
Plant Bio
Persian Lily is known for its tall stature and striking crown of flowers atop a stem.
The unique feature of this cultivar is its distinctive large, orange, bell-shaped flowers that emerge in the spring.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
36 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Turkey to the Himalayas
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Mid-spring – Late spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bulbs 6-8 inches deep in well-drained soil in fall.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
- Mist bulbs lightly during dormancy to prevent desiccation.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for healthy growth.
- Stake tall flower stems to prevent toppling in wind.
- Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb health.
Pro Tip
Plant bulbs in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Tuck bulbs into soil in fall 🌱
- Water regularly during active growth
- Stake tall stems for support
- Apply fertilizer in early spring
- Remove dead flowers
Don't
- Don't plant in poorly drained soil ❌
- Avoid overwatering during dormancy ❌
- Don't disturb bulbs when foliage is active ❌
- Avoid fertilizing late in the season ❌
- Don't cut back foliage prematurely ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Persian Lily questions
What zones can Persian Lily grow in?
Persian Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Persian Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Persian Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Persian Lily bloom?
Persian Lily typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Persian Lily need full sun?
Persian Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Fritillaria to compare
Snake's Head Fritillary
Fritillaria meleagris
Persian Fritillary
Fritillaria persica
Thunberg's fritillary
Fritillaria thunbergii
Red Crown Imperial
Fritillaria imperialis 'Red Crown Imperial'
Yellow Crown Imperial
Fritillaria imperialis 'Maxima Lutea'
Adiyaman Persian Fritillary
Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Persian Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.