The Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix are bulbs of the snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) in purple and white. From each slender stem hang one or two bell-shaped flowers with a striking chequered pattern, like a chessboard. The plants grow to around 25 to 30 centimetres tall. Snake's head fritillaries are hardy and naturalise well, especially in a slightly moist spot.

The bulbs are size 6/7. Plant them in groups in the border, under trees, in a slightly damp lawn or in a pot; thanks to their long stems they also make good cut flowers. With 30 bulbs you fill a pot or a small spot at the edge of the border, with 60 a group under a tree. With 120 or 240 bulbs you can naturalise a stretch of lawn or a damp ditch bank; allow 50 to 70 bulbs per square metre. Combine them with other flower bulbs that flower in March and April, such as daffodils or grape hyacinths. You will find more greenery for outdoors among our outdoor plants.

When should you plant the Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix?

Plant the Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix in autumn, from mid-October to the end of November, once the soil is below 10 °C. They will then still root before winter. As long as it is not freezing, you can carry on into December. Without winter cold they will not flower, so spring planting is not an option. The bulbs dry out quickly, so plant them straight after delivery.

When do the Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix flower?

The Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix flower in March and April. A group stays in flower for about two to three weeks, and a cut stem lasts around a week in the vase. In a pot in a sheltered spot the bells appear slightly earlier, after a cold spring later. Where they are happy, they self-seed and form an ever larger group after a few years.

Care and tips Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix

Plant the bulbs pointed end up, about 8 to 10 centimetres deep, two to three times their height, and 8 centimetres apart. Snake's head fritillaries like humus-rich soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged; mix some compost into sandy soil. In a pot, put a layer of gravel over the drainage hole; among our outdoor pots and baskets you are sure to find a suitable size. Only mow a naturalised lawn once the foliage has turned yellow, usually in June, so the seeds can ripen. Extra fertiliser is rarely needed; a thin layer of compost in autumn is enough.

Water needs of the Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix

Snake's head fritillaries grow naturally in damp hay meadows and want evenly moist soil in spring. If the ground dries out in March or April, water them. In a pot, keep the compost slightly moist during growth and flowering without leaving water in the saucer. In summer the bulbs rest and it can be drier.

Light needs of the Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix

The Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix look their best in partial shade, for example under tall shrubs or at the edge of trees. There the soil stays moist for longer and the flowers keep their colour. They also flower in sun, as long as the soil does not get too dry.

Are the Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix toxic?

The Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix are toxic if ingested, both the bulbs and the rest of the plant. Keep them out of reach of pets and young children. Wear gloves when planting and wash your hands afterwards.

How will my Snake's head fritillary bulbs mix be shipped?

Your bulbs are carefully packed and shipped. That way they arrive safely and fresh from the grower.