Fritillaria meleagris (Checkered Lily)
Adding a burst of color to your spring, Fritillaria meleagris (Checkered Lily) features 1 or 2 nodding flowers per stem, generally presenting an interesting checkerboard pattern of dark purples and whites – although all-white varieties are also available.
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 | Fritillaria |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late) |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 2" – 3" (5cm – 7cm) |
| Spacing | 3″ (7cm) |
| Depth | 4" (10cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |