Snake's Head Fritillary Bulbs

Fritillaria Meleagris

Snakes Head Fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) has alternate, sharply pointed, grey-green, linear leaves, 6-13cm (2.5-5in) long. The flowers, which are produced in spring from late March to May, are usually solitary but can sometimes be paired. They are pendulous, rather "square-shouldered" and bell-shaped, up to 4.5cm (1.75in) long and are carried on stalks of about 30 cm. Colours vary from pink to purple or pinkish-purple with characteristic checkerboard markings.

Fritillaria meleagris is one of the plants in our range of spring flowering bulbs that naturalises well in grass and along the edges of hedgerows and woodland. It multiplies by division and self-seeds when it is happy.  It prefers moist soil with a reasonable organic matter content and dappled shade.

Our Fritillaria Meleagris bulbs in the green are lifted by us and promptly replanted by you in Spring only. As they are in growth, they are easy to see, and so are perfect for planting exactly where you want them to be.

Please note, when sold as dry bulbs, these are predominantly shades of purple with pink checkerboard markings. It is possible that there may be the odd white one in the mix, which is a natural variation, but if you want white flowers, please take a look at our page on Fritillaria meleagris Alba.

Fritillaries may or may not be English natives (it is disputed), but they were first described in writing in this country in the 16th century.

Other common names include chequered daffodil or lily, drooping tulip, guinea flower, and leper lily.