Fritillaria meleagris var. unicolor subvar. alba
white-flowered snake's head fritillary bulbs
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: April and May
- Flower colour: white
- Other features: narrow, grey-green leaves
- Hardiness: fully hardy
- Bulb size: 5+
Pretty, pendent, white bells on slender stems emerge in April and May. These delightful wildflowers were once widespread throughout the UK, and are perfect for naturalising in a moist woodland edge or wildflower garden. It's essential to select a site where the soil remains moist in spring.- Garden care:
Try to plant the bulbs as early as possible so the roots have a chance to grow before the worst of the winter weather. Plant them in a random clumps or drifts 10cm deep and 5cm apart and keep them well watered in spring - then dryer in summer.
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This milk-white lantern, chequered in spring-green, is a surprisingly robust grower. Spangle it through sombre-purple snake's heads to add diamond sparkle among the uncut rubies.
Val Bourne - Garden Writer