Fritillaria Meleagris Mixed

Description

The snake’s head fritillary is one of the most exquisite jewels in the treasure house of British wild flowers with a long list of common names which also include, Checkered Daffodil, Chess Flower, Frog-cup, Leper lily and Guinea-hen Flower. The nodding bell shaped flowers are unmistakeable for their nodding heads, sometimes of pure white, or more frequently marked with a delicate chequerboard pattern in shades of purple. This rare British wild flower is now protected in its native meadows, but will always attract attention in a woodland garden, rockery, or naturalised in grass where they look magical.

Sowing Advice

Sow seeds at any time, covering them very thinly with compost or grit, keeping the seed pot in a cool, well-lit spot outdoors. Artificial heat is not needed and can prevent germination so be very patient as many species will only germinate in the spring after chilling or freezing in the moist seed pot in the winter. Grow on individual seedlings in small pots until of sufficient size to be potted on or planted out into the open ground. Choose a position in full sun or dappled shade. Fritillaria meleagris prefers a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter so add some grit and well rotted manure or compost to the soil prior to planting.

Key Facts