While Fritillaria meleagris is a member of the lily family, it’s neither a true lily nor daffodil. photo credit: R. Robert

Checkered lily, Guinea hen flower, snake’s head fritillary, snake’s head daffodil….Fritillaria meleagris may be known by many common names, but there’s nothing common about this bulb.   While it is a member of the lily family, it’s neither a true lily nor daffodil.  Nor does it look like a Guinea hen or snake.  With 1-2” long, drooping flowers in shades of purple, (and sometimes white), accented with checkerboard-like markings of dark or lighter purple, a more suitable name for this uncommon spring-bloomers would be snazzy-flower.

With 1-2” long, drooping flowers in shades of purple, (and sometimes white), accented with checkerboard-like markings of dark or lighter purple, a more suitable name for this uncommon spring-bloomers would be snazzy-flower. photo credit: R. Robert

Fritillaria meleagris is perfectly suited for damp soils – something that most other bulbs are intolerant of.   The strap-like foliage is only 3-6” long.  If you are bothered by the yellowing foliage after the flowers have faded, consider growing it in a grassy area and wait until the foliage has browned before cutting the grass.

Members of the Scott Associates can pick-up their checkered lily as the bulb dividend at the Fall Celebration on Sunday, October 16. Join today to be able to try this bulb in your garden.

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Japanese beech fern (Phegopteris decursive-pinnata syn. Thelypteris decursive-pinnata) displays a very unique blend of lance-shaped fronds in both upright and arching positions.  This vigorous spreader forms runners, but is never a thug.  Referring to it as a groundcover would be pretty accurate.

The graceful fronds of Phegopteris decursive-pinnata with lighter green undersides lend brightness to shady gardens. photo credit: R. Robert

The graceful fronds with lighter green undersides lend brightness to shady gardens, and pair magically with plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) and Great Expectations hosta.    This deciduous fern generally grows 12-24” tall, and performs best with consistent moisture and good drainage.  It’s a wonderful addition to the shaded border or seasonal planter that still looks good at the end of the season.

Members can select their own Japanese beech fern as a plant dividend at the Fall Celebration on Sunday, October 16. Join today to get this garden gem for your shade garden.

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