The short answer

Quick Answer

Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial) thrives in full sun or full shade on most soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches f. meleagris 25cm tall. f. imperialis 1m tall. plant 15 to 30cm apart. Hardy to around -20°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: None. Let leaves die down naturally

How: Remove dead leaves once yellowed

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: F. meleagris from Europe including the UK. F. imperialis from Turkey and the Middle East

Native or exotic: F. meleagris is native to UK water meadows. F. imperialis is exotic

History: F. meleagris was once common in English water meadows. The Iffley Meadow fritillaries near Oxford are a famous surviving wild site. F. imperialis reached Europe from Turkey in the 1570s

Folklore: Snake's head fritillaries were said to have grown where drops of Christ's blood fell at the Crucifixion, hence the alternative name 'Lazarus bell'

Fun fact: The chequered pattern on snake's head fritillary flowers is unique in British flora and gives the flower its name from the snake-skin appearance. Crown imperial bulbs have a foxy smell that is said to deter deer and mice

Historical medicinal uses: Some fritillaria species used in traditional Chinese medicine. Most are toxic if eaten

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees visit the flowers. The crown imperial is pollinated by birds in its native range [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Native F. meleagris supports native pollinators[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowers April. F. imperialis slightly earlier than F. meleagris[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Plant F. meleagris in damp grass with camassia and cuckoo flower. Plant F. imperialis in sunny borders with alliums and late tulips

Pest control: F. imperialis has a foxy scent that deters mice and deer. Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Fritillary slug damage, botrytis, bulb rot in wet soil. See RHS slug damage advice

Invasive note: Not invasive. F. meleagris spreads very slowly in damp grass

CGM care note

We plant F. meleagris bulbs in September at 10cm deep and 10cm apart in damp soil that does not dry out, in groups of 25 or more. F. imperialis we plant at 20cm deep and 30cm apart in very well-drained soil in full sun, on a layer of sand to prevent rotting.

  • Tulips (Tulipa species and hybrids)
  • Camassia (Camassia quamash and Camassia leichtlinii)
  • Lilies (Lilium species and hybrids)
  • Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis and Galanthus species)

CGM guides mentioning Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial)

How Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Daffodils and Narcissi, spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges
  • Tulips, spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges
  • Alliums (Ornamental Onions), spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges
  • Crocus, spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges
  • Snowdrops, spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges
  • Hyacinths, spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial) (Fritillaria meleagris and Fritillaria imperialis). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Fritillaria meleagris and Fritillaria imperialis. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Liliaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Patterson TB, Givnish TJ (2002). Phylogeny, biogeography, and evolution of Liliaceae. American Journal of Botany, 89(10), 1576-1585.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Liliaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, seasonal_highlight, soil_type.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial). The pollinator description above ("Bees visit the flowers. The crown imperial is pollinated by birds in its native range") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Native F. meleagris supports native pollinators") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Flowers April. F. imperialis slightly earlier than F. meleagris".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees visit the flowers. The crown imperial is pollinated by birds in its native range"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Native F. meleagris supports native pollinators") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Liliaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial) performs well locally

Towns where Fritillaries (Snake's Head and Crown Imperial) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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