Snakes Head Fritillary | Fritillaria meleagris

Key Characteristics:

• Height 20cm to 30cm
• Spread: up to 15cm
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Flower Colour: Chequered, bell-shaped, purple and white.
• Growth Habit: Clump-forming, upright, arching
• Foliage: Slender, narrow, grass-like

Additional Information:

• Common Name: Snakes Head Fritillary
• Position: Full Sun/Part Shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich, loamy.
• Flowering Period: April to May
• Hardiness: Hardy in most UK areas; tolerates -15°C to -10°C. (H5)

UK Native 🇬🇧 | Supports Pollinators 🐝

Dispatch Information:

• Normally Available From: April

Your moisture loving plant will arrive in a solid 9cm pot, pre-planted with soil. Just pop out the pot and into the ground in an damp area close to your pond or a garden border.

Growing Instructions: Plant in moist but well-drained soil. Space plants 5–10cm apart. Choose a spot in partial shade or sun. Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering.

Growing Tips: Ideal for naturalising in damp meadows, woodland edges, or around ponds. Keep soil moist, especially in dry springs. Avoid disturbance once established. Mulch lightly in autumn for protection.

Pruning: Remove spent flowers to prevent self-seeding if not desired. Allow leaves to die back naturally to nourish the bulbs.

Pests/Diseases: Generally trouble-free but can be affected by lily beetles. Watch for slugs and snails in damp conditions. Ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot.

How are Moisture Loving Plants different to Marginal Plants?

Moisture loving plants are not planted in the pond like marginal plants are.

They are planted outside of the pond in natural or mad-made damp, boggy areas.
These plants like to keep their roots damp but not water-logged at all times, so do not let the area they are in become dry.

Will my Moisture Loving plants arrive potted?

Yes, they will arrive potted in solid 9cm pots.

As these plants are moisture lovers, they do not sit inside your pond but round the edges in boggy/damp areas, so are planted directly into the ground without their pot.

How many plants will I need?

We recommend 8 x 9cm plants per sqm to achieve a full look in your bog garden.

 

What is a Pre-Order?

Pre-ordering reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship. Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant, and shipping happens once the plant is well-rooted and ready.

Ordering Tip!

Many customers prefer to place two separate orders when ordering early in the season.

1. One for plants available now.
2. One for pre-order plants.

This ensures there are no delays, and you can enjoy your ready now plants sooner.

Read More about pre-orders

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Shipping Prices

Plant Orders:

• Standard Delivery: £6.00.
• Large Orders (e.g., 30L Waterlilies): Pallet delivery, cost based on weight and postcode (email for a quote).

Highlands & Islands:

• Small Orders (<1.8kg): £6.00.
• Standard Orders (>1.8kg): £25.00.

Soil & Gravel:
Additional charges for multiple bags may apply. Email for a quote if not calculated at checkout.

Container Ponds:
Shipping starts at £30. Prices are calculated at checkout.

Note: We cannot currently ship to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland or Europe.

Read More about delivery prices

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Couriers & Delivery Schedule

Couriers Used:
Royal Mail, APC, DX and Parcel Force, and Pallet Delivery services (for large orders and 30L plants).

Shipping Schedule

• Aquatic Plants: Dispatch Schedule varies dependant on season.
• Garden Plants: Dispatched twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

If you need any help, please email us - info@plantsforponds.co.uk

 

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Returns

Unpacking Your Plants

When your plants arrive, please unpack them carefully:

• Plants are packed in protective plastic bags. Check if any stems, leaves, or flowers are stuck to the inside of the bag before removing it.
• Gently peel off any stuck parts before removing the plant to prevent damage.
• Minor soil displacement or damage to leaves/stems during transit is normal and won’t affect the plant’s recovery.

If you’re concerned about your plants, take photos and email us, and we’ll assist you.

Damaged or Incorrect Items

If your plants or items arrive damaged, or you’ve received an incorrect item:

1. Take clear photos of the packaging and damaged items.
2. Email us with your order number (starting PFP) and the photos.

We’ll resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Returns of Plants/Molluscs (Non-Faulty)

Due to the perishable nature of plants and molluscs, we are unable to accept cancellations or returns for these items. If you are unhappy with your plant or mollusc, please take photos and email us with your order number (starting PFP).

For more details about returns and our full policy, please visit our Returns Policy