Crown Imperials & Snake's Head Fritillaries

The crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) carries a ring of orange, red or yellow bells in April, while the snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) has nodding flowers with a chequered pattern. They are joined by Fritillaria persica with dark spikes of bells and smaller wild species. All are planted in autumn and are hardy in Switzerland.

Fritillaria: crown imperial, snake's head fritillary and other species

At up to a metre tall, the crown imperial is the most imposing species. Varieties such as 'Lutea' (yellow), 'Rubra' (red) or 'Aurora' (orange) make a strong statement in the spring border; 'Garland Star' stands out for its particularly abundant flowers. The Persian fritillary (Fritillaria persica) forms slender spikes of plum-coloured bells, cream-white in 'Alba' or 'Ivory Bells'. The snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) stays low at 20 to 30 centimetres and is ideal for naturalising in damp meadows, in purple or in white as 'Alba'. Dainty wild species such as Fritillaria michailovskyi, acmopetala or uva-vulpis suit rock gardens and pots.

Planting time and position in Switzerland

Fritillaria bulbs should go into the ground early: on the Swiss Plateau from early September to mid-October, at higher altitudes as early as August or September. The bulbs have no protective tunic and dry out quickly, so plant them as soon as possible after they arrive. Crown imperials and Fritillaria persica need sun and free-draining, fertile soil. The snake's head fritillary prefers partial shade and moist to damp soil. All species are hardy and tolerate hard frosts.

Planting and care

Plant crown imperials deep, about 20 centimetres, 30 to 40 centimetres apart. Set the large bulb slightly on its side or on a handful of sand so that no water collects in the hollow at the top. Fritillaria persica goes about 15 to 20 centimetres deep. Plant small species such as the snake's head fritillary 7 to 10 centimetres deep and about 10 centimetres apart in groups. After flowering, let the foliage die back. Crown imperials appreciate a dressing of compost in spring.

Uses and notes

Crown imperials work in the middle or back of perennial borders, together with tulips and daffodils. Snake's head fritillaries suit pond edges, the ground beneath shrubs and natural meadows. The bulbs have a distinctive smell that is said to deter voles; this has not been reliably proven. The plants are poisonous and should not be eaten. The flowers are visited by bumblebees and bees. For a long spring display, combine the early crown imperials with later-flowering species such as Fritillaria persica and the snake's head fritillary, which brings colour into May. The small wild species in particular do well in pots.