Fritillaria persica

An extraordinary spring bulb that always attracts attention and looks fantastic planted in broad swathes through rough grass where it will readily naturalise. It can also be dotted through spring borders, or planted in containers, allowing its intricate flowers to be appreciated up close. Once a common site in damp meadows, wild populations of Fritillaria meleagris are rare, making them a worthy choice for growing in gardens. Grassy foliage gives rise to long, slender stems that carry nodding, bell-shaped flowers in maroon and greenish-white, marked with a distinctive chequered pattern. Height: 30cm (12). Spread: 8cm (3).