Fritillary
Hardy Bulb
1 to 2 feet.
Flowers of several colours, April and May.
The Fritillaries are a large family, including
the Crown Imperial (F. Imperialis), the “Snakeshead”
or “Chessboard” Lilies (F. Meleagris)
and a number of sorts generally classed as “botanical
species”. Of the latter, F. Moggridgei,
with drooping yellow bells, may be recommended
to the amateur. The Meleagris or “Snakeshead”
section should be freely planted; the bulbs will
thrive under the shade of trees, and may be naturalised
in grass. The typical plant (which grows wild
in some parts of England, notably in river-meadows
of the upper Thames valley) has narrow glaucous
leaves and stiff stems, from which hang flowers
resembling a snake’s head when in bud, and
an inverted tulip when expanded, the ground-colour
usually a dull light purple, chequered with distinct
squares of darker colour. There is also a creamy
white variety; and from the wild kinds have been
raised plants with a large range of colour, shades
of pink and reddish purple. The bulbs prefer a
good strong loam, but are content with ordinary
garden soil, so long as they get a fair amount
of moisture. They should be planted in October
in groups or large patches, two or three inches
deep and two asunder, and will flourish undisturbed
for years. After flowering, the stems grow to
a considerable height, and should be allowed to
ripen before they are cleared away.
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