Fritillaria meleagris aka Chequered Lily

Fritillaria meleagris is a perennial bulb in the lily family. Its common names include snake's head fritillary and chequered lily. Its native range runs from Europe to western Siberia. It grows in damp meadows, pastures, and river flood plains. Plants can form large groups where conditions suit them. It has spread widely in Britain through naturalisation. The RHS considers it unlikely to be native there.

Garden plants stand about 0.7–1 foot [0.2–0.3 metres] tall. They spread about 0.5–0.75 feet [0.15–0.23 metres] wide. Some stems reach 1.5 feet [0.46 metres]. The RHS gives a broader height limit of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Slender stems hold narrow, pointed leaves at spaced intervals. The leaves range from green to grey-green or silver-grey. They may stand upright or lie against the ground. Their surfaces lack hairs, and the stems have no scent.

Flowers appear in spring, with March and April reported. Each stem often bears one hanging, bell-shaped flower. Some stems carry two or three blooms. Flowers measure about 0.17 feet [0.05 metres] long. Their six tepals show a checked pattern and fine veins. Colours include purple, red-brown, white, grey, and pale pink. After pollination, the stems straighten and hold seed pods upright. The pods contain flat, dark, triangular seeds in six stacks. Leaves die back from late spring into early summer. The bulbs then enter dormancy.

Grow this bulb in fertile soil rich in organic matter. It needs good drainage and steady moisture during growth. It favours cool, moist summers and accepts several soil types. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils can all suit it. Full sun and partial shade both support growth. Dappled shade is a preferred setting. Plant bulbs in autumn and handle them with care. Let the leaves fade on their own; pruning is unnecessary. Seeds need winter cold before they sprout in spring. Divide offsets in late summer. Sources list USDA zones 3–8 and UK hardiness H5.

Use it near border fronts, where small flowers remain visible. It also suits rock gardens, woodland beds, and meadow plantings. The flowers can serve as cut flowers. Plants can spread by seed without becoming invasive. Deer tend to leave them alone. Disease problems are few, but slugs and lily beetles may attack. Trapped water in bulb crowns can cause rot. The bulbs are poisonous to people and pets; do not eat them. PFAF records no edible uses and only past medicinal use.