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Key characteristics

Family: Liliaceae
Height: 10 to 14 in
Width: 4 to 6 in
Flower color: Dusky purple to reddish-purple with a distinctive checkered patter
Foliage color: Soft green to blue-green, narrow grasslike leaves
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Light: Full sun to partial sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low, allow foliage to yellow naturally after bloom
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: Bees and early-season pollinators

Bulbs

Fritillaria meleagris

Snake's Head

Fritillaria meleagris produces slender stems topped with nodding, bell-shaped flowers marked by a distinctive checkered pattern in shades of purple, plum, and soft rose. The delicate blooms appear in mid to late spring, hanging gracefully above narrow, grasslike green leaves that add a fine-textured presence throughout the flowering period. The patterned petals create subtle depth and visual movement as the flowers sway gently in spring breezes.

Light

Full sun to partial sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Under Trees
Woodland Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Hostas · Ferns · Daffodils · Creeping phlox · Columbines · Lungworts

Design tip

The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Drift them in uneven groups for a natural look, and interplant with perennials that fill the gap after the leaves die back.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)