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Snake's Head Fritillary Bulbs 'In The Green' (Fritillaria meleagris)

Snakes Head Fritillary Bulbs In The Green (Fritillaria meleagris)

February Delivery

Snake's Head Fritillary Bulbs 'In The Green' (Fritillaria meleagris)

The purple, nodding, tulip-shaped bells of Snake's Head Fritillary are perfect for any wildflower garden or woodland edge. Once widespread throughout the UK, this species has become less common in recent years making it an even more delightful addition to your planting scheme.

Height: 30cm
Flowers: April-May
Planting Depth: 12cm
Soil Type: Any

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Why Choose Wildflower Bulbs in the Green?

Wildflower bulbs in the green offer a dependable way to establish spring-flowering wildflowers. Unlike dry bulbs, which are planted in autumn, bulbs in the green are supplied to you in an active stage of growth with visible roots and leaves.

Gardeners love them for many reasons:

Alive and thriving – you can see healthy leaves and roots at planting.
Strong establishment – freshly lifted roots settle quickly into the soil.
Fast results – many species flower within weeks.
Simple to plant – visible stems and leaves make positioning a lot easier.
Ideal for naturalising – they spread naturally in lawns, meadows, and woodland areas.
Supports wildlife – early blooms provide nectar for bees and other pollinators.

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For more information please read our handy guide:

Bulbs in the Green Article

Planting & Care

How to Plant Wildflower Bulbs in the Green

What to Expect on Arrival - Bulbs in the green arrive with roots and foliage already developed. The leaves may appear soft or pale when they arrive - this is normal and they will recover once the bulbs are planted in the soil and the roots have established again.

Handle with Care - Unlike dry bulbs, bulbs in the green are living plants, so it is best to treat them gently during planting, especially the roots.

Prepare Your Planting Area - Select a spot with moist, well-drained soil. Clear weeds and loosen the ground before your bulbs arrive to give them the best start.

Plant Promptly - Unpack immediately and plant them out as soon as possible. Keep the bulbs cool and slightly damp if there’s any delay — do not allow the roots to dry out.

Planting Depth - Use a trowel or a bulb dibber to dig holes deep enough to accommodate the roots, make sure the bulb sits at its natural depth. Top tip! The pale part of the stem can be used as a guide for correct planting depth.

Spacing - For a natural appearance, plant the bulbs in small groups of 3–5 bulbs, leaving 10–15cm between clusters.

Watering - Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil into place. Keep the area moist for the first few weeks while the bulbs establish.

Aftercare and Multiplying - Once flowering is complete, allow the foliage to die back naturally — it helps the bulbs store energy for next year. Over time, many species will multiply and form clumps. Every few years, bulbs in the green can be lifted and divided after flowering to prevent overcrowding and to spread them to other areas of your garden.

FAQs

What are snake’s head fritillary bulbs in the green?

Freshly lifted bulbs supplied with shoots and roots so they settle quickly after planting. This gives higher establishment than dry bulbs and is ideal for naturalising meadows and woodland edges.

How do I plant snake’s head fritillary bulbs in the green?

Plant on arrival at the same depth shown by the soil mark on the stems, about 12 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart. Firm gently and water well. Keep evenly moist while they re-root.

When should I plant them?

As soon as they arrive during the lifting season, typically January to March. Planting promptly gives the best take and the strongest show the following spring.

Where will they grow best?

In damp grassland, meadows, and light shade under deciduous trees. Choose soil that drains freely but does not dry out in spring. Avoid sites that are waterlogged in winter or baked hard in summer.

Can I naturalise them in lawns or meadows?

Yes. Plant in irregular clumps and delay mowing until the foliage has yellowed and died back naturally, which allows the bulbs to replenish.

How many bulbs do I need?

For relaxed natural drifts allow roughly 25–50 bulbs per square metre. For a dense display, increase to 75–100 per square metre in small clumps.

Will they flower this year?

Some may flower, however most plantings give their best display the following April to May once established.

Can I plant fritillary bulbs in pots?

Yes. Use a deep pot with free-draining compost and grit, keep evenly moist in spring, and move the pot to a cool, lightly shaded spot after flowering. Pots can be planted out later.

Are these bulbs suitable for wildlife areas?

Yes. The nodding bell flowers are valuable for spring pollinators and look at home in naturalistic plantings with meadow grasses.

Can I move or divide clumps later on?

Yes. After flowering, lift small clumps while leaves are still green, replant immediately at the same depth, and water well. They will also self-seed in suitable conditions.

What spacing and depth should I use?

Space 10–15 cm apart and set bulbs about 12 cm deep. In wetter ground use the deeper end of the range for better anchoring.

Any care tips after flowering?

Allow leaves to die back naturally before cutting. Top-dress in autumn with a light mulch of leaf mould or garden compost to help retain spring moisture.

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Landlife Wildflowers grow and supply high-quality, native wildflower products, restoring wildflowers right across the UK. Working in conjunction with wildlife charity, Buglife, we’re bringing back Britain’s treasured wildflowers! Find out more about why we’ve been trusted by the general public, Natural England and The National Trust for over twenty years.