Fritillaria raddeana (dwarf crown imperial)

Japanese name: フリチラリア ラッデアナ
Scientific name: Fritillaria raddeana

[Overview]
A perennial 60–80 cm tall, growing wild on rocky ground in its native habitat.
The plant has an unpleasant odor.
It has a bulb.
The stem is erect, thick and sturdy.
The leaves are simple and alternate, densely crowded in the lower part, lanceolate and up to 12.5 cm long, pointed at both ends, and stalkless.
At the stem tip, 10–20 flowers bloom facing downward in an umbel-like arrangement, and lanceolate leaf-like bracts are attached at the base of the flower stalks.
The flowers are bell-shaped, 6-petaled, and pale greenish yellow.
The fruit is a capsule.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by dividing bulbs.
It prefers sunny, well-drained soil rich in humus.
It dislikes heat and humidity, so after flowering move it to a cool, airy place in partial shade.
For plants in the ground, plant them under deciduous trees or similar.
If the bulbs are dug up to get through the summer, dig them up once the aboveground parts have withered, bury them in peat moss or similar so they do not dry out, and store them in a cool place.
During the growing period, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; during dormancy, water only enough to keep the bulbs from drying out.
After flowering, apply slow-release fertilizer as a thank-you fertilizer.
Aphids can occur.

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