<p>{Family Liliaceae} This is a bulbous perennial with whorls of sword-shaped leaves, up to 6 inches long. Chocolate Lily is a captivating dark purple and greenish-yellow, checkered pattern lily. The flowers are large 4 cm (1.5 in), bell shaped, and usually nodding, and it blooms in early spring to early summer. Chocolate Lily is best suited to the drier bulb beds of a rock garden.</p><p>This is a fairly robust species Fritillary. It doesn't like rainfall during its dormant period. It needs sharply drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Sow the seeds in autumn in a cold-frame. Expose to winter cold until spring germination, then transfer to a cold greenhouse. It can also be propagated by planting up the little 'rice-grain' bulblets in late summer.</p><p>It is native to North-western USA and neighbouring regions of Canada.</p>
