Plant during the recommended period shown in the variety’s specifications. If you cannot plant straight away, store them somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
The delicate, pendulous blooms of Fritillaria meleagris are one of the joys of spring. Increase their impact by choosing pure white Fritillaria meleagris 'Alba' that allows these ethereal flowers to stand out proudly from the crowd. Add interest to natural-look flower meadows, use them as an edging for beds to highlight, taller, brightly-coloured blooms or plant them in generous drifts where their snowy whiteness reminds you that winter has passed at last.
The bubs can re-flower year after year, so your white Fritillaria meleagris 'Alba' or snake's head fritillary are sure to become a signature component of your spring flower garden!
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check whether your varieties prefer sun or shade, then choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Most spring bulbs also grow well in containers.
Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil. Improve heavy ground with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost and ensure good drainage.
Plant at the depth recommended for each variety, as their requirements differ. Position shoots or pointed ends upwards. If the correct direction is unclear, plant them on their sides.
Follow the recommended spacing for each variety. Planting in clusters or informal drifts creates a natural display, but avoid placing them directly against one another.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Keep containers lightly moist but never waterlogged. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing it.
- Botanical name
- Fritillaria meleagris var. unicolor subvar. 'Alba'
- Flower colour
- White
- Bulb size
- 6/+
- Established height
- 20-30cm
- Established spread
- 5-10cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 100 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Damp
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost
Clay - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Meadows
lawns
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Full shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Fritillaria meleagris 'Alba' reviews
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Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.