Fritillaria meleagris Alba

Fritillaria meleagris 'Alba', a beautiful form with pure white flowers of the snake's head fritillary, is a very hardy bulbous plant that bears large, pendulous white bells that bloom quite early in the season. It likes moist soils, so the wild species is sometimes found in wet meadows in spring or under deciduous trees. This perennial plant naturalises easily. It will faithfully reflower in the garden for many years.

Snake's head fritillary is an endemic European plant, found in both northern Europe (Sweden, Russia, Great Britain) and further west. It belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is now considered rare, and therefore protected in its natural habitat.

The white form, Fritillaria meleagris 'Alba', forms clumps 20 to 40cm (8 to 16in) tall. Each bulb produces 3 to 5 green-grey, linear, alternate, lanceolate, and narrow leaves. Between March and May, its elongated stems either carry a solitary flower or a group of 2 or 3 blooms. They take the form of inflated bells, 4 to 5cm (2in) in diameter, inclined downwards. They are all white. This bulbous plant multiplies easily once established.

Snake's head fritillary is an indicator of wet environments. It requires moist, occasionally waterlogged, fertile, humus-rich, and light soil to thrive. The nature of the soil is very important. If its needs are not met, the plant will decline rapidly. It can be planted in a border, near a pathway, or not far from a patio, in the company of snowdrops and hellebores, to enjoy its exuberant flowering in spring. It also thrives in a wet rockery or under deciduous trees and bushes. This species has a great effect in a lawn. The bulbs can remain in place. Take care of bulbs planted in woodlands or lawns, as the foliage should not be cut before it is completely yellow.