Fritillaria Meleagris Alba

$10.00

Pack of 25 bulbs

shipping time : Late September to Late October

Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’

Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’ is purity in its most delicate form—a scatter of white, nodding bells, each one translucent, like porcelain lit from within. Where the mauve-chequered meleagris seems rich and patterned, the white form is simple, ethereal, and quietly radiant. In groups, they gleam like drops of milk among the grass, their fine stems swaying with the gentlest movement of air.

They flower in mid-spring, rising to 20–30 cm (8–12 in), and look particularly striking when planted in drifts with their purple-chequered siblings. Together, they create a natural tapestry of light and shadow, pattern and plainness. Left alone, they will naturalise year after year, their numbers gradually increasing into graceful, painterly swathes.

Position: Full sun or light shade, in soil that remains moist in spring but is not waterlogged. Beautiful in meadows, beneath light woodland, or in grass where mowing can be delayed until the foliage dies back.

How to Plant & Grow Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’

Quick Planting Guide

Planting time: Fall, before the ground freezes
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-draining (prefers not to dry out in spring)
Depth & spacing: 3–4" deep, 3–4" apart
Light: Full sun to partial shade (especially under open trees)
Bloom: Mid–spring (April–May)

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the bulbs
Snake’s head fritillary bulbs are small and delicate.
Plant as soon as possible after purchase — they dry out quickly if left unplanted.

2. Choose the planting site
These bulbs thrive in moist, humus-rich soils that don’t dry out too early in spring.
They’re ideal for naturalizing in meadows, lawns, or light woodland edges.
If soil is heavy clay, improve with compost and sharp sand to prevent waterlogging in winter.

3. Plant the bulbs
Plant 3–4" deep and 3–4" apart in groups of 5–10 for a natural look.
Pointed side faces upward; if unsure, plant sideways.
Water well after planting.

4. Growing on & care

  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during growth and bloom. They prefer consistent spring moisture but not standing water.

  • Feeding: Add compost or a balanced bulb fertilizer in early spring.

  • Mulching: A thin layer of leaf mold or compost helps maintain soil moisture and mimics their natural woodland habitat.

5. Bloom time
‘Alba’ produces graceful, nodding, pure white bells in mid–spring (April–May), standing 8–12" tall. Flowers sway beautifully in the breeze and mix well with the checkered purple form.

6. After flowering
Leave foliage to die back naturally — it feeds the bulb for next year.
Avoid mowing or cutting back until leaves have yellowed.
Once established, bulbs will self-seed and naturalize over time, creating larger drifts each year.

Tips for Success

  • Plant in informal drifts for the most natural effect.

  • Combine with other moisture-loving spring bulbs like camassia, narcissus, or muscari.

  • Great for wildflower-style gardens, damp meadows, or under deciduous trees.


Pack of 25 bulbs

shipping time : Late September to Late October

Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’

Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’ is purity in its most delicate form—a scatter of white, nodding bells, each one translucent, like porcelain lit from within. Where the mauve-chequered meleagris seems rich and patterned, the white form is simple, ethereal, and quietly radiant. In groups, they gleam like drops of milk among the grass, their fine stems swaying with the gentlest movement of air.

They flower in mid-spring, rising to 20–30 cm (8–12 in), and look particularly striking when planted in drifts with their purple-chequered siblings. Together, they create a natural tapestry of light and shadow, pattern and plainness. Left alone, they will naturalise year after year, their numbers gradually increasing into graceful, painterly swathes.

Position: Full sun or light shade, in soil that remains moist in spring but is not waterlogged. Beautiful in meadows, beneath light woodland, or in grass where mowing can be delayed until the foliage dies back.

How to Plant & Grow Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’

Quick Planting Guide

Planting time: Fall, before the ground freezes
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-draining (prefers not to dry out in spring)
Depth & spacing: 3–4" deep, 3–4" apart
Light: Full sun to partial shade (especially under open trees)
Bloom: Mid–spring (April–May)

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the bulbs
Snake’s head fritillary bulbs are small and delicate.
Plant as soon as possible after purchase — they dry out quickly if left unplanted.

2. Choose the planting site
These bulbs thrive in moist, humus-rich soils that don’t dry out too early in spring.
They’re ideal for naturalizing in meadows, lawns, or light woodland edges.
If soil is heavy clay, improve with compost and sharp sand to prevent waterlogging in winter.

3. Plant the bulbs
Plant 3–4" deep and 3–4" apart in groups of 5–10 for a natural look.
Pointed side faces upward; if unsure, plant sideways.
Water well after planting.

4. Growing on & care

  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during growth and bloom. They prefer consistent spring moisture but not standing water.

  • Feeding: Add compost or a balanced bulb fertilizer in early spring.

  • Mulching: A thin layer of leaf mold or compost helps maintain soil moisture and mimics their natural woodland habitat.

5. Bloom time
‘Alba’ produces graceful, nodding, pure white bells in mid–spring (April–May), standing 8–12" tall. Flowers sway beautifully in the breeze and mix well with the checkered purple form.

6. After flowering
Leave foliage to die back naturally — it feeds the bulb for next year.
Avoid mowing or cutting back until leaves have yellowed.
Once established, bulbs will self-seed and naturalize over time, creating larger drifts each year.

Tips for Success

  • Plant in informal drifts for the most natural effect.

  • Combine with other moisture-loving spring bulbs like camassia, narcissus, or muscari.

  • Great for wildflower-style gardens, damp meadows, or under deciduous trees.