I wouldn't put too much stock in those animal resistant reports. Many species of Frits are reported to be stinky, including F. uva-vulpis, but that hasn't kept rodents away in my experience. I've grown F. uva-vulpis from bulbs bought at a nursery like the bag you show. Myself, I never noticed any odor. I can't say particularly about the uva-vulpis species, but many species of fritillaria were eaten by indigenous peoples. The whole idea of planting the bulb on its side is purportedly to keep water from pooling withn the scales in an upright bulb. In the long run, it is a silly notion, as any bulb will right itself, usually in a year's time. However, for newly planted bulbs where a pocket of disturbed soil may produce a temporary (say 4 month) bathtub effect, there could be an advantage. Planting on its side certainly won't hurt anything. Fritillaria uva-vulpis is from Turkey/Iraq/Iran, so put it in a place that stays dried in summer when it is dormant, and the more summer heat, the better. Rich soil is not necessary.
