Scientific Name
Fritillaria meleagris
Common Name
Chequered Lily, Guinea, Hen Flower, Snakeshead Lily
FRITILLARIA
meleagris (White and lavender checked flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Fritillaria meleagris flowers in mid-spring (April/May) for 2-3 weeks. Plants are 8-10 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Europe
2. Common names: Chequered Lily, Guinea, Hen Flower, Snakeshead Lily
3. Geophyte organ: Non-tunicated bulb
4. Hardiness type: Hardy II - Injured at temperatures below 14 degrees F (-10C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces slowly by offsets and requires a warm (60 to 70F) - cool (28 to 32F) - warm (50 to 60F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, rock gardens, ground covers, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 5/16, 6/up cm, in circumference.
2. Planting density: 0-2 inches apart, 40-80 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of bulb.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zones 3 to 4 with mulch, 5 to 7 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight to PM only or AM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Should be planted in an area that retains moisture throughout the year.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Arabis, Campanula, Centaurea dealbata, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Digitalis, Hemerocallis, Rhododendron spp. (deciduous and evergreen), Cotoneaster, Berberis, Acer palmatum, Deutzia gracilis, Weigela.

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.