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.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

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