Snakes Head Fritillary – ‘Fritillaria meleagris’

If you like something unusual in your garden. Then look no further than the snake’s-head fritillary.

They are actually a native wildflower, widely naturalised across Britain. But for those that haven’t seen them before, they cause quite a stir.

Resembling a Snakes Head

Before their bell-shaped flowers open, they really resemble a snakes head. Poised and slightly menacing.

Extraordinary Pattern

That’s before you examine the pronounced patternation. Which is also very similar to snake skin.

The flowers are literally chequered all over. Dark maroon with tiny checks of the palest pink, and sometimes white. Really quite stunning!

White ones too!

They do also come in white, but they don’t have the same impact. The colour variation isn’t great enough, to truly appreciate the pattern. They are a lovely addition though, to our white garden area.

Delicate Foliage

The flowers bob around delicately, atop the thinnest of stem. Their narrow lance shaped leaves, are silvery bluish green in colour.

Bulbous Perennial

They are a bulbous perennial. Meaning, they grow from a bulb, die back each year. Then come again the following year.

As they multiply, the young plants only reach a few inches high. Whilst the mature bulbs reach around a foot, or 30cm.

Easy to grow

Despite their bizarre appearance, they are very hardy, and easy to grow. Growing, in both full sun, or partial shade.

They can be grown in containers, a spring border, or mixed in with other wild flowers.

I grow most of mine in a shady, Fern and Hosta border. As the fritillaries come out first, in March, they have the whole border to themselves. Set off nicely with the new vibrant green growth, of the Hostas.

Conservation status – poor

Sadly, despite doing well in some areas. They are classified as Vulnerable, on the Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain. All lists can be found on The Joint Nature Conservation Committee, website. They are the public body that advises the UK Government and devolved administrations on UK-wide and international nature conservation.

So if you want to help, buy yourself some bulbs this autumn, and get planting.