Fritillaria meleagris
- Common Name: Checkered Lily
- Height: 30 cm
- Spread: 10 cm
- Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Colour: Colours range from white, cream, and pink to dark reds, purples, and violet.
- Bloom Time: Early Spring
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Soil Moisture: Average
- Plant Uses: Deer Resistant
- Zone: 4A
- Description:
Flowers of the checkered lily (Fritillaria meleagris) are typically 4 cm in size. They are single, pendant, and bell-shaped, but with square shoulders that give them a slightly boxy look. Flowers are held on surprisingly thin, delicate, grey-green stems reaching 30-45 cm, with narrow grass-like foliage spaced out along the stem.
- Other: There are a few keys to the successful cultivation of Fritillaria meleagris, starting with care of the bulbs before planting. Made up of overlapping scales without the protective covering often present in other bulbs, they are easily damaged and can dry out quickly, as can the roots, which tend to develop even before planting. Purchase as early as possible in the fall and do not delay planting. Fritillary require coarse, fairly rich, well-draining soil, which should be prepared well below the planting depth of 10 cm to accommodate the growth of deep roots. Choose a location in full sun to part shade, and ensure that sufficient moisture is provided. These bulbs do not like to dry out. After blooming in late spring to early summer, flowers should be left to mature and form seed pods, allowing for self-seeding. Fritillari meleagriscan take a few seasons to become established. They perform better in their second year, and, if not disturbed, will flourish over time.
