This stunning fritillaria — known as the Persian lily — is at its very best in late-spring and early-summer. Fritillaria persica 'Minaret' produces densely-packed clusters of bell-shaped flowers on 70-80cm stems, and these flowers are absolutely stunning. In shades of purple-black, they progressively open from the bottom upwards. The flower spikes are accompanied by bluish-green, lance-shaped leaves. Fritillaria 'Minaret', as suggested by its name, is tall and slim — not a common feature among spring-flowering bulbs, therefore it makes a grand statement when planted among other spring plants!

The ancestors of this fritillaria originated in southern Turkey. As such, it prefers a hot, sheltered site. However, it is also robust and fully hardy. It’s ideal for free-draining sunny borders, and looks particularly good alongside other fritillaries, including Fritillaria 'Ivory Bells' and Fritillaria 'Green Dreams'.