checkered lily
Fritillaria meleagris
A.G.M.-R.H.S. 1926
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size8 to 12 inches tall6 to 9 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Purple, white
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Checkered lily (Fritillaria meleagris) is a bulb for borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Its purple bell-shaped flowers are checkered with white and nod on arching stems in spring. Deer and rabbits tend to pass it by. Plants bulk up into nice clumps over time.
Pairs well with Carlton daffodil, Western sword fern, and Empress Wu hosta.
Native range
Europe.