Chequered Lily

Fritillaria meleagris

Native to:
Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Liliaceae
Genus:
Fritillaria
Species:
Fritillaria meleagris
USDA Symbol:
FRME5

Growth Characteristics

Height:
40 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
purple, white, pink

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers damp meadows and woodlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification and may take several months to germinate. Best sown fresh in autumn for natural cold treatment.

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. * sow in autumn in 1/2 seed mix, 1/2 grit, - don't prick out as they will die; leave for 2 years in pot in which they were sown; plunge pot in sand bed after germination

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society