Chequered Lily
Fritillaria meleagris · Chequered Daffodil · Chess Flower · Drooping Tulip · Fritillary · Frog-cup · Guinea Flower · Guinea-hen Flower · Lazarus Bell · Leper Lily · Snake's Head Fritillary · Snake's HeadUSDA | Grow Zone
4-8Outdoors all year in zones 4 to 8. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 30°F.
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Water
- When top inch is dry
- Humidity
- 40-60%
- Temperature
- 50-70°F (10-21°C)
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 12-18 in tall, 6-12 in wide
- Pets
- Mildly toxic to pets
Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as the Chequered Lily, is a stunning perennial bulb native to Europe. Its unique checkered flowers make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their landscapes.
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Ideal temperature
50-70°F is where it grows fastest. Below 30°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 12-18 in tall, 6-12 in wide
- Plant apart
- 6-12 in
- Frost
- Half hardy: light frost only
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Fritillaria meleagris prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks. In summer, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering can cause wilting and browning of leaf tips.
Light
This plant thrives in partial shade to full sun, ideally receiving 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
It prefers a location that is sheltered from harsh afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. Too much shade can result in weak growth and fewer flowers.
Soil
Fritillaria meleagris prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
A mix of loamy soil and sand or grit is recommended to ensure proper drainage. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain water.
Humidity
This plant enjoys moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%.
To increase humidity, mist the plant or place a tray of water nearby. Signs of low humidity stress include browning leaf edges and slow growth.
Temperature
Fritillaria meleagris thrives in temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C) and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
It can tolerate light frost but should be protected from extreme heat and prolonged freezing temperatures.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10, applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Reduce or cease fertilization during dormancy in summer. Signs of nutrient deficiency include stunted growth and poor flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is minimal for Fritillaria meleagris.
Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy conservation. After blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally to replenish the bulb's nutrients before cutting it back.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years or when bulbs become crowded.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes and stunted growth. Carefully remove the plant, refresh the soil, and replant.
Propagation
Propagation can be achieved through bulb division or seed sowing.
For bulb division, wait until the foliage dies back in summer, then carefully dig up the bulbs and separate them. Replant immediately. For seeds, sow them in a well-draining mix in fall, covering lightly with soil, and keep moist until germination.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Often caused by over-watering or poor drainage.
How to fix it
Ensure the soil drains well and reduce watering frequency.
Root rot
Why it happens
Excess moisture and poor drainage can lead to root rot.
How to fix it
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and improve drainage.
Wilting leaves
Why it happens
Under-watering or extreme heat can cause wilting.
How to fix it
Increase watering frequency and provide some afternoon shade.
Poor flowering
Why it happens
Insufficient light or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight and consider fertilizing.
Browning leaf tips
Why it happens
Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
How to fix it
Increase humidity levels and maintain consistent moisture.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, ensure the plant receives adequate moisture as it begins to grow. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Summer
During summer, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Allow the foliage to die back naturally and avoid cutting it until it has completely withered.
Fall
In fall, prepare for planting new bulbs if desired. Monitor moisture levels as the weather cools, ensuring the soil remains slightly moist.
Winter
In winter, protect the bulbs from extreme cold by mulching. Ensure the soil does not remain waterlogged to prevent rot during dormancy.
Toxicity & Safety
Fritillaria meleagris is considered mildly toxic if ingested. Symptoms of ingestion may include gastrointestinal upset in pets and children. The bulbs are particularly toxic, so caution is advised.
Good to know
How often should I water my Fritillaria meleagris?
Water your Fritillaria meleagris every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, especially during its active growing season.
What type of soil is best for Fritillaria meleagris?
This plant prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter, ideally a mix of loamy soil and sand or grit to prevent water retention.
Why are my Fritillaria meleagris leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can indicate over-watering or poor drainage. Check the soil moisture and ensure it drains well to prevent root issues.
When should I fertilize my Fritillaria meleagris?
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Reduce feeding during the summer dormancy period.
Can I grow Fritillaria meleagris in full sun?
Yes, Fritillaria meleagris can thrive in full sun, but it prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates to avoid stress from intense heat.
How can I propagate Fritillaria meleagris?
You can propagate Fritillaria meleagris by bulb division or sowing seeds in fall. Bulb division is best done after the foliage dies back in summer.
What are the signs of low humidity for Fritillaria meleagris?
Signs of low humidity include browning leaf edges and slow growth. To increase humidity, mist the plant or place a tray of water nearby.
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