Plant Overview
An attention grabbing bulb which is classed as native, although Gerard (1597) says it was introduced by his friend Jean Robin.
Plants are extremely hardy and trouble-free, and are ideal for growing in a variety of situations including containers, sunny spring borders and in wildflower meadows or areas of long grass.
Flowers in March and April and can be cut for the vase. Although mostly purple, occasionally you may get a white version.
Called the Chequered Daffodil by Gerard because the flowers are "like the board at which men play at chesse". Also known as the Ginny hen flower because the markings are like those of a guinea fowl. Another name is Leopard Lily, a corruption of leper lily, because the bell-shaped flowers were reminiscent of lepers' bells.
Height: 30cm
Common name: Snake's Head Fritillary; Chequered Lily; les Chequered Daffodil; Leopard or Leper Lily; Ginny Hen Flower.
Supplied in a 9x10cm pot. Please note that these plants may have moss/liverwort on the compost. This is encouraged as it helps to protect the bulbs and keep them moist.
Photo 1: User Hasse A on sv.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
