Snake's Head Fritillary

fritillaria meleagris

Also known as: ["Leopard's Bane","Checkered Lily"]

Family: Liliaceae Genus: Fritillaria Category: Flowers

Overview

A bulbous perennial with distinctive checkered, bell-shaped flowers, typically purple or white, native to Europe.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Liliales
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Fritillaria
Botanical Name: Fritillaria meleagris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container with good drainage
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning only.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sun or bright indirect light); adjust based on intensity and season.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun; in containers, move to shadier spots during peak heat.

Warning Signs: Yellowing or wilting foliage, soft or mushy bulbs, or failure to flower can indicate poor soil or site conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun; provide dappled light in hot climates.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries between waterings; amend with grit for drainage; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.

Keep bulbs cool during dormancy; protect from extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures during growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Avoid over-fertilizing; fertilize only during active growth; stop before dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Division of bulbs; occasionally by seed.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Carefully lift bulbs after foliage dies back.
  2. Separate offsets.
  3. Replant at the correct depth (2–3 times bulb height).

Best Time: After flowering, when bulbs are dormant (late spring to early summer).

Environment

Cool, shaded environment with moderate humidity; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Medium

Well-drained bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite.

Hormone

Not typically required for bulb division.

Timeline

Bulbs may flower in 1–2 years after division; seeds take 3–5 years to flower.

Tools Needed

Garden fork, sharp knife, clean containers.

Quick Tips

Replant bulbs immediately after division; ensure proper spacing; protect from pests.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip flower stalks at the base; gently pull away dead foliage.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks to conserve energy; tidy foliage as it dies back naturally.

Tools

Hand pruners or sharp scissors.

Checklist

Remove spent flowers; avoid cutting green leaves; clean tools after use.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Late summer or early fall, after dormancy but before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Lift bulbs carefully; replace with fresh, well-drained soil; plant at correct depth; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 2–3 years; avoid disturbing bulbs unnecessarily.

Checklist

Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil; plant at correct depth; ensure drainage.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage; ensure water penetrates the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during active growth (spring), keeping soil moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in summer dormancy and winter.

Soil Improvement

Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature bulb dormancy.

Cold Stress

Prolonged cold can damage bulbs or cause rot if soil is waterlogged.

Solution: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil; mulch heavily in winter; protect containers from freezing temperatures.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause foliage to scorch, bulbs to dehydrate, or premature dormancy.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during spring growth; avoid summer/winter applications.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once in early spring as growth begins.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Fritillaria meleagris can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or disease such as viral infections or fungal pathogens affecting chlorophyll production.

Wilting in Fritillaria meleagris may result from insufficient water supply, root damage, or pathogenic infections that disrupt water transport within the plant.

Leaf spots on Fritillaria meleagris are typically caused by fungal pathogens such as Alternaria or Cercospora, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly basal rot, can occur in Fritillaria meleagris due to fungal infections like Fusarium or bacterial pathogens, often exacerbated by excessive moisture or poor soil drainage.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Fritillaria meleagris is toxic to cats, with the bulbs posing the highest risk. The toxic alkaloids can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs flowers leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. Contact a veterinarian promptly if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

The plant is toxic to dogs, with the bulbs being particularly hazardous. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological effects due to the presence of toxic alkaloids.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors loss of coordination
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs flowers leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Fritillaria meleagris contains toxic compounds, primarily alkaloids, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and mild neurological effects upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to discomfort rather than severe systemic toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs flowers leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any parts of the plant. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I plant Fritillaria meleagris bulbs?

A: Plant bulbs in autumn, about 10 cm deep and 8 cm apart in well-drained soil.

Q: Why are my Fritillaria leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage; ensure the soil is not waterlogged.

Q: Does Fritillaria meleagris attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies, making it a good choice for wildlife gardens.

Quick Reference
Family: Liliaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Bohemian Star Lily
View
Axim Tulip
View
Water Lily Tulip
View
Yellow Avalanche Lily
View