RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Plant of the month: April

Fritillaria meleagris @ Harlow Carr

We have several examples of Fritillaria meleagris growing at Harlow Carr. To find the first one, exit the main entrance and walk down the steps onto the main path. Turn left. There is a bed in front of you and to your right with a small stream running through the middle of it. The fritillaries are in the far side of the bed (the other side of the stream) hiding under some Spiraea. You can find more on the main streamside running through the gardens and others in the arboretum.

Fritillaria

This is a genus of approximately 100 species of bulbous perennials. They are distributed throughout the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, particularly the Mediterranean, Asia and North America. They occupy a range of habitats from woodland to open meadows and high screes.

The majority bloom in spring, with flowers that are generally bell-shaped and pendant. The leaves are usually linear or lance-shaped.

The name comes from the Latin word fritillus, a dicebox, from the spotted markings on the flowers of F. meleagris, which are suggestive of a dice-board.

Fritillaria meleagris

This species has alternate, sharply pointed, grey-green, linear leaves, 6-13cm (2.5-5in) long. The flowers, produced in spring, usually solitary but sometimes paired, are pendant, square-shouldered bell shaped, up to 4.5cm (1.75in) long and white, purple or pinkish-purple with characteristic checked markings.

The name meleagris means ‘spotted like a guinea fowl’.

It is found growing naturally from southern England to western Russia.

This species is suitable for rock gardens, raised beds or woodland gardens.

F. meleagris var. unicolor subvar. alba has white flowers.

F. meleagris var. unicolor subvar. alba ’Aphrodite’ has white petals with green veining.

Cultivation

Handle the delicate bulbs carefully, and plant at four times their own depth. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil and damp summers.

Prone to attack by slugs and lily beetles.

Propagation

Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn. Expose to winter cold until germination in spring, then transfer to a cold greenhouse.

Divide offsets, or collect and sow ‘rice-grain’ bulbils in late summer.