Fritillaria meleagris (Checkered Lily)
Snake's Head Fritillary, Guinea Hen Flower, Checkered Lily, Checker Lily, Widow's Wail, Weeping Widow
Native to Europe, where its bulbs usually enjoy very moist locations, Fritillaria meleagris (Checkered Lily) grows up to 14-16 in. tall (35-40 cm) in a beautiful display of checkered, pendant, bell-shaped flowers atop slender stems. Flower color varies from reddish-brown to purple or white. The delicate flowers are complimented by lance-shaped, grass-like bluish-green leaves. Not bright or showy, this unusual spring flower invites a further look!
- Blooming occurs in mid to late spring.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Specimens that receive what they need often continue to flower year after year in the same location.
- Plant in fall in full sun to part shade area in organically rich, moist but well-drained soil for best results. For better growing conditions, soil can be improved by adding upgraded black peat. The best results are achieved when the plants are not disturbed.
- Spectacular in groupings in borders, containers, rock gardens, or naturalized areas.
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Requirements
| Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 2
– 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Fritillaria |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 2" – 3" (5cm – 7cm) |
| Spacing | 3" (7cm) |
| Depth | 4" (10cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
Recommended Companion Plants
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 2
– 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Fritillaria |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 2" – 3" (5cm – 7cm) |
| Spacing | 3" (7cm) |
| Depth | 4" (10cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
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