Fritillaria meleagris mix
The “snake’s head” (Fritillaria meleagris) grows a 30 cm tall stem with a beautiful, purple spotted clock-shaped flower that elegantly bows its head down, like a tiny lamp post. The name fritillaria comes from the chequered pattern on the flowers (Lat. Fritillus = dice box). In the Netherlands it is hard to find the “snake’s head” in the wild. You might have a chance to spot it in the east side of the country, around Vechtdal and Zwolle. As a field flower, the “snake’s head” can only be seen in Sweden, especially, at the Kungsängen which is a little south of Upssala.
The folk tale says – there has been a battle on that field, Sweden versus Denmark. Sweden had won. After the battle, Fritillaria meleagris started growing on that field. A red Fritillaria - for every fallen Danish man, and a white one - for every fallen Swedish man. This would explain why there are more purplish-red flowers than white ones on the field. Purplish-red Fritillaria meleagris are more common in the wild than white Fritillaria meleagris.
Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’ is the white snake’s head, which used to be researched and bred, but with little success. It blooms in April-May and naturalises on its own. It does not require any special care.
£7.99
Per package: 25
The “snake’s head” (Fritillaria meleagris) grows a 30 cm tall stem with a beautiful, purple spotted clock-shaped flower that elegantly bows its head down, like a tiny lamp post. The name fritillaria comes from the chequered pattern on the flowers (Lat. Fritillus = dice box). In the Netherlands it is hard to find the “snake’s head” in the wild. You might have a chance to spot it in the east side of the country, around Vechtdal and Zwolle. As a field flower, the “snake’s head” can only be seen in Sweden, especially, at the Kungsängen which is a little south of Upssala.
The folk tale says – there has been a battle on that field, Sweden versus Denmark. Sweden had won. After the battle, Fritillaria meleagris started growing on that field. A red Fritillaria - for every fallen Danish man, and a white one - for every fallen Swedish man. This would explain why there are more purplish-red flowers than white ones on the field. Purplish-red Fritillaria meleagris are more common in the wild than white Fritillaria meleagris.
Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’ is the white snake’s head, which used to be researched and bred, but with little success. It blooms in April-May and naturalises on its own. It does not require any special care.
- Flowering period
- Planting period
| Attracting bees and butterflies | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bulb/tuber size | 6/7 |
| Bulb type | Fritillaria |
| Deer and rodent resistant | No |
| Delivered as | Flower bulb or tuber |
| Flower colour | Purple, White |
| Flowering and growth height | 8 - 12 inch |
| Flowering period | April, May |
| Hardiness zone | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Hardy | Yes |
| Naturalising | Yes |
| Number per m2 | 100 |
| Per package | 25 |
| Place / Planting position | Partial shade, Sun |
| Plant depth | 4 inch |
| Planting distance | 4 - 6 inch |
| Scented | No |
| Suitable as cut flower | Yes |
| Suitable for pots and planters | Yes |
| Type of bulb | Meleagris |
Other information
- First loosen the soil well where the flower bulbs will be planted. Then the soil is easier to work with.
- Dig a hole and make sure it is 2 to 3 times as deep as the height of the fritillaria bulbs.
- For the distance between the bulbs, make sure it is 2 times the diameter of the bulbs.
- Plant the flower bulbs in the hole with the pointed side facing up or with the root base facing down.
- Cover the fritillaria bulbs with soil and water them well.
