Snake's Head Fritillary 'Alba'

The white form of our native Snake's Head Fritillary, Fritillaria meleagris 'Alba' (sometimes listed under radicalis in specific botanical contexts) is a hauntingly beautiful spring bulb. It produces nodding, square-shouldered, bell-shaped flowers that are a pure, translucent white. Unlike the purple form, it lacks the prominent checkerboard pattern, although a very faint ghostly tessellation can sometimes be seen in the right light. It is one of the few bulbs that thrives in damp, heavy soils and is perfect for naturalising in wildflower meadows or at the edge of ponds in UK gardens. It grows to about 30cm and has very narrow, inconspicuous foliage. It is important not to let the bulbs dry out before planting. Once established, they will self-seed gently if the conditions are right. They are fully hardy and part of the iconic British spring landscape, looking best in informal, naturalistic drifts.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, organic-rich soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.