Dotted among meadow grasses and along the edges of woodland, the exquisite bell-shaped heads of this member of the lily family herald the arrival of a new season.

Click here to visit our beautiful fritillaria gallery.

TYPES OF FRITILLARIA
There is just one species of fritillaria thought to be native to Britain, F. meleagris or Snake's Head fritillary. This mulberry-coloured flower with white chequerboard markings appears in damp meadows in early spring. New varieties came to Britain in the second half of the 16th century and ranged in appearance from the bold and brassy, such as F. imperialis, with orange, red or yellow flowers, to the less showy F. meleagris subvar. alba, with white flowers.

PLANTING FRITILLARIA
These hardy bulbs need deep, rich soil and should be planted in autumn to a depth of at least twice that of the bulb. Either lay it on its side to prevent the hollow crown from filling with water, or cover with coarse sand. A top dressing of well-rotted manure once it has flowered will help secure the following year's crop. Choose your site carefully, as fritillaria do not like to be disturbed. Once planted, leave well alone for at least four years before dividing or transplanting. Fritillaries can also be grown in pots in a cool greenhouse or raised from seed, although, this way, they can take several years to produce flowers.

BUYING BULBS
• Broadleigh Gardens
• Dobies
• Jacques Amand

WHERE TO SEE THEM
• Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE.
• Great Dixter, Northiam, Rye, East Sussex TN31 6PH
• RHS Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB.
• RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB.

Want to see more? Visit our beautiful fritillaria gallery

FEATURE JACKY HOBBS
PHOTOGRAPHS MICHELLE GARRETT