Checker Lily

Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as Checker Lily or Snake's Head Fritillary, is a truly unique tuberous perennial for UK gardens. Its distinctive, bell-shaped flowers hang gracefully on slender stems, adorned with a fascinating checkerboard pattern of purple-brown and white, or pure white in the 'Alba' cultivar. The narrow, grey-green leaves add to its delicate appearance. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil, preferably in full sun to partial shade, and is often found naturalising in damp meadows or at the edge of woodlands. Ideal for naturalising in lawns or beneath deciduous trees, it creates a striking and unusual spring display. This hardy plant is relatively low maintenance and provides an intriguing focal point.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.