Fritillaria meleagris 9 bulbs

Few British native bulbs are as instantly recognisable as Fritillaria meleagris, the snake's head fritillary. Its nodding, bell-shaped flowers are patterned with a distinctive purple-and-white chequerboard (occasionally pure white), swaying gracefully atop slender stems — a striking and slightly exotic sight for such a hardy wildflower. Traditionally found on damp river meadows, it's perfectly suited to naturalising in long grass, borders or wildlife-friendly corners of the garden, and is a magnet for early-emerging bumblebees.

Reaching 15-40cm in height with a spread of around 5-8cm, this fritillary is best planted in early autumn, 10cm deep, in moist, well-drained soil in sun or light shade. It thrives in areas that stay damp over winter and spring, so it's an excellent choice for that boggy corner of the lawn other bulbs struggle with. Left to naturalise, it will gently self-seed and spread over the years into an ever-larger colony.