Fritillaria meleagris var. unicolor subvar. alba (Checkered Lily)

Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’ (Checkered Lily) is a bulbous perennial with charming pendant, pure white, bell-shaped flowers on slender stems in mid to late spring. Its pure white petals are adorned with a faint check pattern like a watermark.

Fritillaria meleagris 'Alba' (Checkered Lily) is a bulbous perennial with charming pendant, pure white, bell-shaped flowers on slender stems in mid to late spring. Its pure white petals are adorned with a faint check pattern like a watermark. 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!

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm).
  • Specimens that receive what they need often continue to flower year after year in the same location.
  • Plant in fall in a 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 8"
– 1'
(20cm
– 30cm)
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