Description of Fritillaria meleagris (Snake's Head Fritillary)

Fritillaria meleagris is snake’s head fritillary, a spring bulb for damp meadows and bog edges. It is known for its nodding chequered flowers and suits natural style planting.

Appearance

Slender stems carry one or two bell shaped flowers in spring. Petals show a purple and plum chequer pattern, though white forms exist. Height is usually 20 to 30cm.

Care Guide

It prefers moisture in spring and a soil that does not dry hard while in growth.

• Sun: Full sun to light shade.
• Soil: Moist, humus rich soil.
• Water: Keep damp through spring.
• After flowering: Let leaves die back naturally.
• Planting: Plant bulbs in autumn at about 10cm deep.

It can seed into grass or mossy edges if left undisturbed.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This suits bog gardens on the upper damp zone where soil stays moist in spring. It works well among low grasses and primulas.

Avoid the wettest centre where bulbs may rot.

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