Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as Snake's Head Fritillary, is a beautiful spring-flowering bulb with distinctive nodding, bell-shaped flowers patterned in shades of purple and mauve. The delicate chequerboard markings give each flower an almost hand-painted appearance, making it a wonderful addition to naturalistic planting schemes.
 
A hardy perennial, Snake's Head Fritillary is particularly well suited to damp meadows, woodland edges and areas of dappled shade. Growing to approximately 30–40cm, it naturalises beautifully in moisture-retentive soil, producing elegant spring flowers that return year after year once established.
 
When to Sow: Year-round; late summer to autumn is best for natural stratification (Aug - November)
 
HOW TO SOW:
Sow seeds as soon as possible after receipt onto moist, free-draining seed compost, covering with a thin layer of grit. Keep pots outdoors in a sheltered position or cold frame, allowing them to experience natural winter cold. Germination normally occurs in spring but can be slow or irregular. Do not apply artificial heat or discard pots if germination is delayed. Once seedlings emerge, keep them moist during active growth. Allow the tiny bulbs to develop undisturbed for at least two growing seasons before repotting. Seed-grown plants may take several years to flower
 
Classification: Hardy bulbous perennial
Expert Level: Some experience required
Germination Time: Following winter cold, usually Feb–Apr
Flowering Time: Mar–May (once mature)
Site: Full sun or partial shade
Soil Type: Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
Soil Acidity: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Moisture: Moisture-retentive, well-drained
 
Care: Keep moist during active growth; allow foliage to die back naturally in summer and avoid disturbing developing bulbs
Use: Woodland gardens, wildflower meadows, naturalised grass, spring borders
 
Days to Maturity: Several years to flowering
Height: 30–40cm
Plant Spacing: 10–15cm