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Fritillaria meleagris (Checkered Lily)

Snake's Head Fritillary, Guinea Hen Flower, Checkered Lily, Checker Lily, Widow's Wail, Weeping Widow

AGM Award
Fritillaria Meleagris, Snake's head Fritillary, Guinea-hen flower, Spring Bloom, Mid Spring bloom, Late Spring bloom

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.

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 Liliaceae
Genus Fritillaria
Common names Fritillaria
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2" - 3" (5cm - 8cm)
Spacing 3" (8cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Fritillaria affinis (Chocolate Lily)
Fritillaria atropurpurea (Spotted Fritillary)
Fritillaria imperialis ‘Beethoven’ (Crown Imperial)
Fritillaria raddeana
Fritillaria verticillata
Fritillaria imperialis ‘Aurora’ (Crown Imperial)

Recommended Companion Plants

Erythronium ‘Pagoda’ (Dog Tooth Violet)
Helleborus Winter Jewels ‘Golden Lotus’ (Hellebore)
Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone)
Carex elata ‘Aurea’ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge)
Anemone blanda ‘White Splendour’ (Grecian Windflower)
Narcissus ‘Tete a Tete’ (Cyclamineus Daffodil)

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Fritillaria
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.
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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 Liliaceae
Genus Fritillaria
Common names Fritillaria
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2" - 3" (5cm - 8cm)
Spacing 3" (8cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Fritillaria (Fritillary)
Not sure which Fritillaria (Fritillary) to pick?
Compare Now

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