is just gorgeous right now despite being buffeted about (almost daily) by persistent strong winds. I think it helps that I propped the buds up on the rungs of an obelisk?
The photo above also gives you an idea of 'lutea's' height ~ standing approx two foot tall, it's definitely an attention-grabber amongst the other (smaller) surrounding bulbs.
I also read an interesting tidbit about Fritillaria Imperialis 'lutea' the other night in my Random House Book of Bulbs. A native of Turkey, in Persian the bulb is called "Tears of Mary" because of the great drops of nectar at the base of each petal. Having never turned the blooms up to look inside, I was surprised to learn that and went outside to investigate/verify it. Sure enough, there were large nectar drops just as reported:
See them shining at the base? The book furthermore writes "Christian tradition tells the story that only the proud Crown Imperial (of all the flowers) refused to bow its head at the Crucifixion but it has bowed and wept ever since."
I found that information fascinating for some reason and I know I will never look at 'Lutea' again without thinking of it.
The next Fritillaria waiting in the wings is 'Persica:'
I wonder what interesting "floral lore" I can find out about it??
Beautiful Photos!
Posted by: DD | April 17, 2011 at 03:39 PM
Gorgeous Kathleen - and I loved the story. I have to remember to plant these for next year.
Posted by: Dana | April 17, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Hi Kathleen, I've never had good luck with these bulbs. I planted them two falls ago (orange and yellow), and the yellow were the only ones to grow. They did bloom, but didn't thrive I guess. They're not back this year... Yours are great! (They are supposed to ward off moles!)
Posted by: Shady Gardener | April 17, 2011 at 03:42 PM
So, were you standing on your head for that one shot? hahaha What a bright and cheery yellow.. I have never grown Fritillaria --may have to look into this.
Posted by: Janet, The Queen of Seaford | April 17, 2011 at 06:39 PM
Fascinating story! I have never seen Fritillaria up close like that before. It's great to learn new things about favorite plants isn't it?!
Posted by: PlantPostings | April 17, 2011 at 08:18 PM
I am completely intrigued with your Fritillaria. Thanks for the information Kathleen.
Posted by: Kala | April 18, 2011 at 01:28 PM
Kathleen, I was wondering what these little beauties were called. I've seen them blooming now in my area. Thanks for the history lesson. I will have an appreciation for them that I didn't have before.
Posted by: Ramona | April 18, 2011 at 03:04 PM
This is species I've just discovered in the past year or so. So pretty! :)
Posted by: Racquel | April 19, 2011 at 06:09 AM
I have Fritillaria on my list of 'must have's'. There are quite a few varieties so it will be hard to choose, but this one looks like a winner;-) Beautiful, Kathleen.
Posted by: Jan@Thanks for today. | April 20, 2011 at 08:10 AM
I have quite a few fritillaria bulbs planted. They come up but never bloom.
Yours are lovely.
Posted by: Victoria | April 20, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Fascinating lore and what a good looking flower~I have to admit to never trying to grow it~I wonder if I could? gail
Posted by: Gail | April 20, 2011 at 08:43 PM
In my country this flower is known by the name of votive lamp, and has also a religious signification. I saw only orange color, here I see for the first time an yellow one.
Posted by: Miami refractive surgery | April 21, 2011 at 03:32 AM
Hi Kathleen, Beautiful flower and photographs. It was interesting to learn about the "tears of Mary". Have a great Easter!
Posted by: Jennifer | April 21, 2011 at 07:56 AM