October is a good month to buy and plant bulbs to flower next spring and Fritillaria is a species that you may want to try. There are over 60 species and varieties listed on the Pacific bulb society web site but only some of these will perform in your garden.

Fritillaria have elegant drooping bell shaped flowers and look good naturalised in grass or grown in a rockery. The most common colours are cream, purple, brown and purplish rose.

The Snakeshead Fritillaria above is comparatively cheap and easy to grow. The small species up to one foot tall include Assyriaca Uva Vulpis, Davisii and Elwesii.  The Imperial Fritilliaria on 3 foot stems with a cluster of drooping flowers often come in stronger colours of yellow, red and orange and are sold as Fritilliaria Lutea/Rubra/Aurora.
‘Snakes head fritillaries are a sight to behold when naturalised in damp woodlands or informal areas of grass. These charming wildflowers are protected in the wild and rarely seen in their native meadow habitats. ‘


Tips Growing Fritilaria

These hardy bulbs need deep, moist but well drained soil.
Fritillaria should be planted in autumn to a depth of at least twice that of the bulb.
Lay bulbs on their side to prevent the hollow crown from filling with water and rotting.
A top dressing of well-rotted compost after flowering will help secure the following year’s crop.
Fritillaria do not like to be disturbed so once planted, leave well alone for several years before dividing or transplanting.
Fritillaries can be grown in pots in a cool greenhouse
Snakehead varieties grow wild in UK meadows but should not be collected from the wild. Buy from a reputable bulb merchant.

• Bulbs from Thompson & Morgan