Snake's Head Fritillary
fritillaria lusitanica
Also known as: ["Checkered Lily","Leopard Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with distinctive chequered purple and white flowers, native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Fritillaria |
| Botanical Name: | Fritillaria lusitanica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; suitable for bulb growth.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering (spring); occasional tidying of dead leaves in autumn.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only spent flowers and yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in cooler climates; partial shade (4–6 hours/day) in hot regions; tolerates dappled light in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade if necessary.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun in summer; provide shade during peak heat; rotate pot for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid waterlogging, and allow soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy (40–50°F or 4–10°C).
Protect from frost; avoid placing near heat sources; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late summer; use a bulb-specific formula for optimal results.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation (slow but reliable); division of bulbs (less common due to slow multiplication).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Clean and inspect seeds/bulbs.
- Sow seeds shallowly or divide bulbs carefully.
- Keep moist and protected.
- Transplant when mature.
Best Time: Late summer/early autumn for bulb division; seeds can be sown in autumn or spring.
Environment
Cool (50–60°F or 10–15°C), humid environment with indirect light; protect from frost.
Medium
Well-draining seed-starting mix or bulb compost with added perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; bulb division may benefit from a mild rooting hormone.
Timeline
Seeds: 2–3 years to germinate and establish; bulb division: 1–2 years to mature.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, sterile potting mix, propagation tray, misting bottle, labels.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds immediately after collection for best viability; use a cold stratification period for seeds if needed; handle bulbs gently to avoid damage.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stems at the base; snip dead leaves carefully without damaging emerging shoots.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing spent flower stems and dead foliage to maintain tidiness and redirect energy to bulb development.
Tools
Sharp, clean pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers promptly; cut stems cleanly; avoid cutting new growth; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer/early autumn after dormancy ends and before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) in diameter; ensure depth allows bulbs to sit at the correct level.
Method
Gently lift bulbs, remove old soil, inspect for damage, replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil with adequate spacing.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; beneficial for replenishing soil nutrients and preventing bulb rot.
Checklist
Choose the right pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle bulbs carefully; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting foliage; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water drains freely to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the soil surface feels dry to the touch, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in dormancy (late summer/autumn).
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature bulb dormancy in excessive heat; rotting or mold in cold, damp conditions.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold (below 40°F or 4°C) can cause root damage, slow growth, or bulb rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging; move potted plants to a sheltered location; mulch heavily for in-ground bulbs.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat (above 80°F or 27°C) can lead to leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase air circulation; water deeply but infrequently to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season only; avoid contact with bulb base; rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/early summer); avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicFritillaria lusitanica is toxic to cats, with the bulbs, leaves, and flowers containing cardiotoxic glycosides that can cause severe gastrointestinal and cardiac distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe bulbs, leaves, and flowers of Fritillaria lusitanica are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cardiotoxic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential cardiac issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicFritillaria lusitanica contains toxic compounds, primarily cardiotoxic glycosides, which can affect the cardiovascular system and cause gastrointestinal distress. The plant's effects are generally mild but can be more pronounced in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I plant Fritillaria bulbs?
A: Plant bulbs in autumn, about 10 cm deep and 10 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: Do Fritillaria attract wildlife?
A: Yes, they are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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