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.
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The polka-dotted beauty of Fritillaria meleagris is admired in the plant world. It’s as though cheerful fairies have donned festive finery before romping through your garden to celebrate the arrival of spring. But whoever dreamed up the common name was thinking of things less gorgeous, and the name snake’s head fritillary seems to have stuck. Still, there’s nothing to stop you thinking of fairies!
As pretty as it is, you’d expect Fritillaria meleagris (also sometimes called checkered lily) to be a trifle fussy, but if you choose a sunny to lightly shaded spot in well-drained soil, your flowers will be here to stay, coming up naturally every year without any need for lifting and storing bulbs.
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 mixta
- Flower colour
- Purple, white
- Bulb size
- 7/+
- 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
- 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
Good for cutting
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed in paper
Naturalising
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix' reviews
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