Fritillary, also known as Snake’s Head Fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris), is one of the UK’s most distinctive and elegant native wildflowers. Known for its unique, nodding bell-shaped flowers in a chequered pattern of purple, pink, or white, this perennial species adds visual beauty and botanical heritage to damp meadows and river margins. Once common in ancient floodplain meadows, it is now considered rare and is a priority species for conservation.

Ideal for moist, low-lying ground and traditionally managed grasslands, Fritillary thrives in rich, damp soils that are seasonally wet but not permanently waterlogged. It grows well in partial sun and creates stunning displays when naturalised in meadows or along watercourses. Its early spring flowering supports emerging pollinators.

Features & Benefits
Striking chequered bell-shaped flowers in purple, pink or white
UK native wildflower with strong heritage and conservation value
Thrives in seasonally damp meadows and floodplain sites
Early nectar source for spring pollinators
Adds rare and beautiful interest to wet grassland plantings

Latin Name:
Fritillaria meleagris

Flowering Time:
March – May

Flowering Height:
15 – 40 cm

Life Cycle:
Perennial

Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
2.5kg per acre (6.2kg per hectare)

Sowing Times:
Autumn (August – October)

How to Sow & Preparation
Choose a moist, low-competition site, such as damp meadows or riverbanks.
Prepare the ground by removing weeds and cultivating to a fine tilth.
Broadcast seed evenly and lightly press into the soil surface—do not bury deeply.
Autumn sowing is preferred to allow for natural stratification.
Keep disturbance to a minimum after sowing and manage grass growth with light cutting or grazing.
Allow flowering plants to set seed naturally in future seasons.

About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
John Chambers Wildflower Seeds has been a trusted supplier of native UK wildflower seeds for over 35 years. Known for its high-quality, locally sourced seed and outstanding customer service, John Chambers provides ecological solutions for landscape contractors, local authorities, and conservationists focused on creating sustainable, biodiverse landscapes.

Latin Name | Fritillaria meleagris

Flowering Time | March – May

Flowering Height | 15 – 40 cm

Life Cycle | Perennial

Sowing Rate | 2.5 kg per acre (6.2 kg per hectare)

Sowing Period | Autumn (August – October)

Preferred Conditions | Moist, fertile soils; floodplains; light shade

Pollinator Friendly | Yes

Minimum Order Quantity | 10g

Ideal For | Wet grasslands, riverbanks, conservation areas