Fritillaria 'Meleagris Alba' (Snake's Head Fritillary)

15 bulbs
£5.79
£0.39 each
30 bulbs
£10.49
£0.35 each
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The lack of pattern on 'Alba' makes the unique, angular, bell-like shape of the flower even more apparent than on its chequered relatives.

The pure white form of the native Snakeshead Fritillary, 'Alba' is an exceptionally beautiful and graceful spring bulb. It produces delicate, nodding, bell-shaped flowers of a pristine, luminous white, completely lacking the chequered pattern of the species. The blooms are held on slender, wiry stems above fine, grey-green foliage. It has a magical, ethereal quality, especially when planted in large drifts where the white bells seem to shimmer in the light. It is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and is perfect for naturalising in damp meadows, woodland gardens, and alongside ponds, where it will happily spread over the years to form a breathtaking display.

Botanical name Fritillaria meleagris var. alba
Bulb size 6/+ cm
Height 20-30 cm
Spread 8 cm (Spreading over time)
Plant spacing 100+ bulbs per m²
Habit Upright, clump-forming
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully hardy (H6)
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Suitable for Damp meadows, Bog gardens, Naturalising
Soil Moist but well-drained, loam, clay

Where to Plant:

This is the pure white form of the native Snake's Head Fritillary. Unlike most bulbs, it thrives in soil that retains moisture and will not tolerate drying out over summer. It is the perfect choice for naturalising in a damp lawn to create a beautiful spring meadow effect, or for planting in a moisture-retentive border amongst other perennials. It grows well in full sun or partial shade. The delicate, bell-shaped white flowers, sometimes faintly chequered in green, are truly enchanting.

How to Plant:

The small bulbs are delicate and can dry out quickly, so it is best to plant them as soon as you receive them in the autumn. Plant the bulbs at a depth of approximately 10-15cm (4-6 inches). For the most natural and effective display, plant them in generous, informal drifts rather than in rows. If planting in a lawn, you can lift a flap of turf, scatter the bulbs underneath, and then replace the turf, watering it well.

Aftercare:

The main point of care is to ensure the soil does not dry out completely in late spring and early summer. If the fritillaries are growing in a lawn, you must delay the first cut of the year until their foliage has completely withered and died back, which is usually in June or July. This allows the bulbs to build up energy and set seed for the following year.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

RHS Award (AGM)

Naturalising

Fritillaria 'Meleagris Alba' (Snake's Head Fritillary) - Harding & Bloom

Fritillaria 'Meleagris Alba' (Snake's Head Fritillary)

£5.79

£5.79

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Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset