F. acmopetala grows naturally in pinewoods, fields and stony places up to 7000 ft in Southern Turkey and along the coast to Syria, Lebanon and Cyprus. One flower (very occasionally up to three) is carried on 12" to 18" stems, with alternating narrow grey green leaves. The top 4" of the stem is bare. A reasonably large flower with 3 outer petals of pale green alternating with 3 inner ones marked reddish brown, hanging like a bell with the open end reflexed back on itself. The bulb can produce 10 or more bulblets in a season. They should not be disturbed, as the roots do not re-grow once broken. After leaf growth has died back, if necessary bulbs can be examined for division, but it may take a season or more to flower again. Plant deeply, with at least 4" of soil over the bulb, so that it will flower rather than just build the bulb. A liquid feed just before flowering should encourage weight gain and hence flowering in further years. They are happy in sun or part shade, and like rich, well drained soil. During dormancy in summer it is particularly important that they are dry; planting on the south side of a tree gives them heat, and lets the tree use spare moisture in the soil. Grown amongst light shrubs they are also happy.
Planting instructions
Plant deeply, with at least 4" of soil on top of the bulb, 5" (12cm) apart, in any well draining soil, adding grit into a heavier soil. It will enjoy full sun or light shade, in amongst small shrubs, or on the sunny side of a tree, which will help to keep the soil dry after flowering. Green and brown bell shaped flowers in April to May, 12" (30cm) tall.
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