Chocolate lily (Fritillaria biflora)

Chocolate lily

Also known as: Mission bells

Fritillaria biflora is an herbaceous perennial that grows from a bulb. Brown small lily-like flowers bloom in spring giving it the common name chocolate lily. It is also called mission bells due to the shape of its flowers and their tendency to look down like a bell. Flowers have an unpleasant scent and attract flies for pollination.

Scientific classification

Species

Chocolate lily (Fritillaria biflora)

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

60 cm

Plant Height

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Spread

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Chocolate lily

Culture

Symbolism

Protection, Breaking love spells. It is used to symbolize Danger, Caution and deadly beauty. Yellow: I'm walking on air. Gaiety white: Sweetness, Purity tiger: Wealth, pride Orange: Wealth Calla: Beauty day

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Care Guide for Chocolate lily

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Chocolate lily thrives in arid environments, preferring drier conditions. It requires weekly watering to simulate infrequent rainfall but is sensitive to overwatering. Best suited for outdoor cultivation, chocolate lily benefits from natural precipitation and temperature variations that aid its watering needs.

Fertilize: Fertilize chocolate lily with balanced nutrition at the start of the growing season for growth, then switch to high phosphorus during flowering. Apply monthly at half the recommended dose, reducing in cooler months. Always water after fertilizing to enhance nutrient absorption and prevent root burn.

Pruning: Chocolate lily features chocolate-colored blooms and requires minimal pruning. Prune after flowering in early to late spring to enhance bulb energy for growth. Avoid early green leaf cutting, and regularly remove damaged parts to promote health and flowering.

Propagation: Chocolate lily is a perennial plant with nodding, bell-shaped flowers and a chocolate-like aroma. Propagation by division maintains parent characteristics. Gardeners should separate bulb clusters carefully and replant at the original depth for successful establishment, making it easy for novices to expand their chocolate lily collection.

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