Fritillaria meleagris, 25 bulbs

Checkered Lilies (Fritillaria meleagris) are winsome, charming, with bell-shaped blooms in shades of purple (and occasionally white) marked with a faint checkerboard pattern. Native to damp meadows and woodlands in Europe, these bulbs need partial shade and abundant moisture, which makes them highly sought after among gardeners who have less than perfectly drained soil. An excellent choice for naturalizing in a moist, shady garden. Heirloom, 1572.

Fritillaria are a delight in practically any setting, and their unusual profile draws the eye like a magnet. Give them full sun and a rich, well-drained soil that stays dry in summer. The bulbs have a faint skunky odor, which has the salutary effect of repelling pests, including voles.

For more information on the planting and care of Fritillaria, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: frit-ill-air'-ee-ah 

Bulb size: 20-24 cm 

Plant 3″ deep and 3–4″ apart for smaller species and cultivars, 6–8″ deep and 10–12″ apart for F. imperialis and other large types. F. imperialis has a hollow crown that may collect water, so it's wise to plant bulbs sideways. Fritillarias prefer plenty of moisture while actively growing and very rich soil enriched with plenty of compost. Full sun to part shade. F. meleagris types require part shade. On arrival, bulbs may appear spongy and somewhat discolored. This is normal and does not mean the bulbs are not viable. Only if they are powdery dry are they not worth planting.

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Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].