Snakeshead Fritillary Fritillaria meleagris. This plant has many names including Snake’s Head (the original English name), Chess Flower, Frog-cup, Guinea-hen Flower, Guinea Flower, Leper Lily (because its shape resembled the bell once carried by lepers), Lazarus Bell, Chequered Lily, Chequered Daffodil, Drooping Tulip or, in northern Europe, simply Fritillary. The flower has a chequered pattern in shades of purple, or is sometimes pure white. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is especially suited to areas that mimic its natural habitat—damp grasslands, woodland edges, and riversides. It prefers full sun to partial shade and benefits from soil that remains moist throughout the growing season, particularly in spring. Once established, it naturalises well, gently spreading over time to form drifts of colour that return year after year. Snakeshead Fritillary is ideal for wildflower gardens, cottage-style planting schemes, or under deciduous trees where it can enjoy dappled light. Its early blooms provide an important nectar source for pollinators like bees. Gardeners often use it to soften the edges of borders, bring life to grassy areas, or to create a serene, woodland feel. To grow successfully, plant the bulbs in autumn about 10cm deep and 10cm apart in fertile, humus-rich soil. Ensure the soil doesn’t dry out in spring, though avoid waterlogging in winter. It performs best in loamy or clay soils with good organic matter and tolerates a range of pH levels. The Snakeshead Fritillary makes a real difference by offering early-season interest and supporting biodiversity. Its quietly striking appearance makes it a great choice for gardeners seeking subtle charm and ecological value. Flowering Season: March – May Flower Colour: Purple, occasionally White Size Bulb Size: 5/6cm Height: 10-50cm Spread: 0-10cm Time to reach full height: 2-5 years Growing Conditions Soil Type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand Moisture: Moist but well drained Position How much sun: Full sun, Partial shade Aspect: North, East, South, West Snakeshead Fritillary – Planting Information Winter Planting Bulbs – Planting Time: Early Autumn (September / October). Pre Sprouted Bulbs – Planting Time: Early Spring (as soon as possible after delivery). Plant Snakeshead Fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) 12cm (5in) deep in fertile, well-drained soil, taking care not to damage the fragile bulbs. Also a little sand or gravel in the hole for good drainage if possible. Can take one to two years to flower after replanting. Bulbs should be planted as soon as possible after delivery. Delivery Information Winter planted bulbs are despatched in September onwards. This item will be despatched as soon as stock is available. Pre-Sprouted bulbs are available from February until March. This item will be despatched as soon as stock is available. We will despatch all plants, bulbs and seeds separately from other items so they may arrive on a different day via a different carrier. These bulbs were grown in the UK from cultivated stock.
