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Native
British Snakeshead Fritillary Bulbs
Latin: Fritillaria
meleagris
Other
Names:
Fritillary
Distribution:
This is the native British fritillary. It
was once common in wet meadows in the South of
Britain, but draining,
ploughing and fertilizers have greatly reduced the sites where the
massed blooms appear in the wild.
Habitat:
It prefers damp soil and the plants shouldn't be allowed to dry
out in the summer. It is
suitable for naturalising in grass, dappled shade and open woodland.
Description:
Perennial.
It is one of our most beautiful wild flowers, named after the
snake-skin pattern and the shape of its bud before it opens.
It is a medium plant (20-40cm), with nodding, chequered-purple
flowers appearing in April and May. Occasionally, some of the flowers
vary in colour from pink or brownish purple to white.
Wildlife:
The flowers are very attractive to bees.
Planting
Instructions for 'In
the Green'
Bulbs:
The
bulbs
should be planted as
soon as you receive them. They are best planted where they can
be left undisturbed. If
the earth is frozen solid, then you’ll need to wait until it is
crumbly again. If you do need to wait for a couple
of days, sink the bulbs
in some damp compost in a sheltered place
until the soil is crumbly again.
Plant
the bulbs as soon as possible upon receipt.
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