Fritillaria meleagris
Snakeshead fritillary, Guinea hen flower, Chequered daffodil
Also known as Fritillaria graminifolia, Fritillaria 'Snakes Head'
- Height × spread
- 0.3m × 0.1m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This plant has curious, chequered, purple blooms, large and held on slender stalks, pendulous and altogether extraordinary. The flowers appear in April and May and are delightful in a lush setting where they harmonise softly with the rich greens of damp meadows and grasses. The patterning of the flowers, reminiscent of a chessboard, has also been likened to that of the guinea fowl.
- Flower colour
- Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.3m
- Spread
- 0.1m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Rock garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Rabbit resistant
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer - late · Planting
Divide the plant
Divide the plant and throw away any poor or weak growth. Immediately replant the divided portions.
Found in
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