Complete Fritillary Bulb Collection

• Allow leaves to die back before trimming as this will ensure that the maximum amount of nutrients are stored in the bulb for next season's blooms.

Check the bag of each variety for any additional instructions.

Fritillaria uva-vulpis – Handle the fragile bulbs carefully and plant from September to November at four times their own depth. Plant in a sunny position where they can get some shade during the hottest part of the day – they are ideal for gravel gardens.

Fritillaria persica – Plant 12cm (5in) deep from September to November in fertile, well-drained soil, and keep an eye out for slug and snail damage when the new foliage is emerging in spring. 

Fritillaria meleagris mixed – Handle the fragile bulbs carefully and plant from September to November at four times their own depth.

Fritillaria imperialis – Plant 30cm (12in) deep from September to November in fertile, well-drained soil, and keep an eye out for slug and snail damage when the new foliage is emerging in spring.

Fritillaries need a moderately fertile, humous-rich, well-drained soil and are intolerant of wet when dormant, so avoid heavy clay or anywhere where water sits. Heavy soil can be improved with the addition of sharp sand or horticultural grit. Add 1cm (½ in) of coarse sand to the planting hole before placing the bulbs pointed end up.

Plants benefit from early morning sun, then light shade in the afternoon. Suitable for rock gardens, raised beds, herbaceous borders, pots or naturalising in grass, where they form a stunning display. Leave them in the ground once they die back and they will come back bigger and better each year.

If planted in pots, be sure to water frequently to keep moist.

While all the energy that a bulb needs in order to grow is stored in the bulb itself, they will do better if you feed them when in active green growth.