Fritillaria imperialis warped and curving

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Canna W, Mar 24, 2012.

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  1. Canna W

    Canna W Gardener

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    A friend gave me 3 Fritillaria imperialis rubra bulbs. They started coming up fine a few weeks ago. There was a bit of slug damage though, so I bought some Slug Stoppa granules to put round the stalks to deter slugs.

    When I looked at them this morning (having not seen them for a few days), I saw the plants were all warped and twisted. Even though they are still quite short, they have big buds. I wondered if anyone else had experienced this, and what could be the problem. I hope deeply it isn't a virus - I was so looking forward to seeing them in bloom.
     

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    Canna W, Mar 24, 2012
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  2. longk

    longk Total Gardener

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    I wonder whether it's the recent warm days? The stems strike me as rather thin for their height, although that may just be the angle. If they were mine I would give them a stiff drink in the morning.
     
    longk, Mar 24, 2012
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  3. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    They dont look abnormal to me.
    First year bulbs, I found they need to establish before really doing well.
     
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      pete, Mar 24, 2012
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    • ARMANDII

      ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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      Hi Canna, I've got two Imperial Fritillaria underneath a Lilac where they've been for over 20 years, and a circle of the same in a main border which have been there around 7 years. To be honest, I can't see much wrong with your plants and as it's there first year I wouldn't be too worried. My Fritillaria's do twist and curve as they grow but eventually straighten up. One thing that is important with them is to plant them deeply, at least 12" as they seem to like it. I have had failures in the past but a canny Estate Gardener told me the "secret" and I haven't had any failures after following his advice.
       
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        ARMANDII, Mar 24, 2012
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      • Chopper

        Chopper Do I really look like a people person?

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        I have one that is in flower now, such a 'distinctive' scent !!
         
        Chopper, Mar 24, 2012
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      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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        I know what you mean, Chopper!! When my wife and I bought the first two all those years ago we placed them in the back of the Jeep and spent the trip home sniffing and looking at each other.:snork:
         
        ARMANDII, Mar 24, 2012
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      • longk

        longk Total Gardener

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        My sister bought one and got tugged for speeding! It led to an awkward half hour apparently:lunapic 130165696578242 5:
        She knew it stank obviously, but had no idea what it stank of (she is very naive!).
         
        longk, Mar 25, 2012
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      • Canna W

        Canna W Gardener

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        Pete and Armandii - thank you so much for the reassurance! I really appreciate it. I shall let them do their thing in peace, and see how they get on. They certainly have nice promising buds. :)
        longk - Good thinking. I have now given them a really thorough watering....
        Chopper - Ha ha, I have no idea what they smell like!!! I gather from the various comments in this thread that I am *not* in for a treat!
         
        Canna W, Mar 26, 2012
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      • Marley Farley

        Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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        :biggrin: Well put it this way.. We certainly don't grow them for their scent...!! Their beauty is to the eye & the mind.. :WINK1: :heehee:
         
        Marley Farley, Mar 26, 2012
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      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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        It's a "scent" you can smell quite a distance away and it certainly get's your attention. but the flowers make up for it.:heehee: I'll take a couple of pics of my 20 year old one, which is now at least two, and the circle of the 7 year old Fritillaria tomorrow, which for some reason are a couple of weeks behind the elder ones.:dunno:
         
        ARMANDII, Mar 26, 2012
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      • Pixie

        Pixie Gardener

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        My fritillaria is in a pot and in its first year, so just a baby, but almost in flower now - i never expected it to flower this year, so quite pleased. It has twisted and bent following the sun all day long and straightens up at night. In fact it seems to have quite a character and acts almost like a sunflower. I am desperatly waiting on those flowers now, anyday!:dancy:
         
        Pixie, Mar 27, 2012
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      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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        This is my Imperialis Fritillary, Pixie, which we planted beside our Lilac when it was a lot smaller 20 odd years ago. The Fritillary has now grown naturally into two or three plants and seems quite happy:#

        [​IMG]

        [​IMG]

        And here's my circle of Fritillaria at the bottom of the main border:

        [​IMG]

        [​IMG]

        They are great plants........I can put up with the smell!!
         
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          ARMANDII, Mar 27, 2012
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        • Pixie

          Pixie Gardener

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          Ooh that is quite a patch - lovely - i am looking forward to mine spreading, i'm going to put it in the ground in the autumn to give it that chance. It does pong - sent my OH out to smell my lovely new flower - i wish i'd had my camera ready! :lunapic 130165696578242 5:I told him the flower will be worth it.
          Evil me.
           
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            Pixie, Mar 27, 2012
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          • ARMANDII

            ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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            :lunapic 130165696578242 5:
             
            ARMANDII, Mar 27, 2012
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          • Kristen

            Kristen Under gardener

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            1) Plant an Amorphophallus only £4.50 for a bulb :blue thumb:
            2) Get camera ready
            3) Send Hubby to sniff it
            4) Upload photos here :)
             
            Kristen, Mar 27, 2012
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