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Hardy ornamental bulb for autumn planting
Liliaceae
Meleagris Alba Fritillaria
Fritillaria meleagris
Product code : VAN-146-435-01
Fritillaria meleagris 'Alba' produces 20-30 cm (8-12 in) tall stems in mid to late spring, topped with glossy ivory-white, green-veined bell-shaped flowers. Its bright green foliage and slender habit structure beds before summer perennials emerge. This Van Noort bulb should be planted in the fall in gentle sun or partial shade, in fertile, fresh, and very well-drained soil. Hardy to zone 4, it can naturalize when left undisturbed. Use it with white daffodils, purple tulips, and blue grape hyacinths for a contrasting display suitable for Quebec gardens. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. Foliage must yellow naturally before any cutting. Sustainable establishment reduces bulb handling. Spring growth benefits from a
- Quantity
- 5 bulbs
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Naturalizing bulbous perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 4 and higher
Discover the plant
Common nameFoxtail Fritillary
FamilyLiliaceae
GenusFritillaria
Speciesmeleagris
CultivarAlba
TypeHardy ornamental bulb for autumn planting
Botanical nameFritillaria meleagris
Reproducible seedsYes
?? Fritillaria Meleagris Alba (5 bulbs) – Pure pearly white and natural grace ? Offered by Van Noort
The Fritillaria Meleagris Alba, or white guinea fowl fritillary , reveals delicately drooping ivory-white bells , carried by thin, flexible stems.
Its discreet but precious flowering, in March-April, evokes a picture of an old meadow bathed in light.
It naturalizes perfectly in flowery lawns, light undergrowth or country edges, and offers a refined contrast with classic purple varieties.
A plant with a simple and wild charm , perfect for creating poetic scenes with ease.
A little gem of spring grace , both rustic and airy. ??
?? Characteristics of Fritillaria Meleagris Alba
?? Average height : 25 to 30 cm
?? Exposure : Mild sun to partial shade
?? Hardiness : Zone 3 and above
?? Attracts wildlife : Yes, early pollinators
?? Water requirements : Moderate to moist in fresh soil
?? Ideal soil : Humiferous, light, fresh but well-drained
?? Quantity : 5 bulbs
?? Planting and growing Fritillaria Meleagris Alba
?? When to plant? From September to November, for flowering in March-April
?? In the ground : Perfect for natural meadows, under deciduous trees or in light borders. Combine with dwarf daffodils, anemones or grape hyacinths.
?? In a pot : Superb in a romantic planter, a shady entryway, or a woodland-style pot. Combine with white or purple pansies to enhance the contrast.
?? How to plant?
1?? Depth : 8 to 10 cm
2?? Spacing : 10 cm
3?? Watering : Light after planting, keep the soil cool in spring
?? Maintenance of the Fritillaria Meleagris Alba
?? Watering : Regular in spring if the soil is dry
?? Fertilizer : None necessary if humus-rich soil
?? Pruning : Allow the foliage to fade naturally
?? Wintering : No care required, very hardy
?? Why choose Fritillaria Meleagris Alba?
? Early flowering , delicate and bright pearly white
? Blends perfectly into natural gardens and undergrowth
? Very hardy , naturalizes easily from year to year
? Ideal in a wild garden , flower meadow or romantic pot
? Give your garden a breath of soft and elegant nature with the Fritillaria Meleagris Alba, offered by Van Noort — a little marvel with a discreet and eternal charm. ?
?? Pair with white muscari , squills , wood anemones or mossy foliage to create a bright and poetic forest scene. ??
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Planting depth
3 to 4 in (8 to 10 cm)
Best planting time
September to November before the ground freezes
Propagation
Division of bulbils at the end of summer
Growing method
In the fall, prepare a sunny or lightly shaded spot with good drainage. Loosen fertile soil to a good depth and mix in mature compost and a little horticultural gravel if the soil texture is heavy. Wear gloves, place the bulb 10 cm (4 in) below the surface, and leave 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) of space around it. Water once if the soil is dry, then mark the location. In spring, remove any debris hindering growth, maintain consistent moisture during stem elongation, and apply a moderate dose of bulb fertilizer. Monitor for slugs and lily beetles as soon as they emerge. After flowering, remove seed pods only if seedlings are not desired, and allow all leaves to yellow. Divide only in late summer, when the clump is dormant. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. Foliage must yellow naturally before any cutting. A long-lasting planting reduces bulb handling. Spring growth benefits from consistently moist soil. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. Foliage must yellow naturally before any cutting. A long-lasting planting reduces bulb handling. Spring growth benefits from consistently moist soil. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. Foliage must yellow naturally before any cutting. A long-lasting planting reduces handling.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid, neutral, or alkaline
Minimum temperature
RHS H5; do not convert directly to zone
Care level
Easy
Watering
Water after planting only when the soil is dry. In spring, maintain consistent moisture during emergence, elongation, and flowering, without ever saturating the root zone. Gradually reduce watering when the foliage yellows. During summer dormancy and winter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient; above all, avoid stagnant water around the bulb. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. The foliage must yellow naturally before any cutting. A lasting establishment reduces the handling of the
Soil type
Choose a moderately fertile and humus-rich, cool, well-drained soil in soft sun or partial shade. Loamy, chalky, or sandy soil is suitable if water drains quickly. Add horticultural gravel to heavy textures and avoid any hollows that retain rain or snowmelt. This species does not tolerate persistent moisture during dormancy; therefore, reduce watering as soon as the foliage yellows and disappears.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost into the surface during autumn preparation, but avoid placing it directly against the bulb. At the start of growth, apply a moderate dose of balanced slow-release fertilizer or bulb fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote tender stems. Stop after flowering and allow the foliage to replenish reserves. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. The foliage must yellow naturally before any cutting.
Seasonal care
In the fall, plant the bulb 10 cm (4 in) deep, mark its position, and correct any drainage issues before the cold rains. Apply a light mulch only after the soil has cooled, without creating a compact, damp layer. In late winter, gently clear debris so the shoot can emerge undamaged. In spring, water during dry spells, fertilize moderately at the start, and regularly inspect leaves for slugs, snails, or lily beetles. Stake only if the site is very windy. After flowering, remove spent blooms if you don't want seed pods, but keep the leaves. In early summer, wait until they turn completely yellow before cutting. During dormancy, do not dig near the bulb. In late summer, divide bulblets only if the clump is crowded and replant them immediately. In winter, the most important protection remains soil that does not retain snowmelt. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. Foliage must yellow naturally before any cutting. Sustainable establishment reduces bulb handling. Spring growth benefits from consistently cool soil. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. Foliage must yellow naturally before any cutting. Sustainable establishment reduces bulb handling. Spring growth benefits from consistently cool soil. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. Foliage must yellow naturally before any cutting. Sustainable establishment reduces bulb handling. Spring growth benefits from consistently cool soil.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Stable pot 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm) for one bulb
Container gardening requires foreseeing the necessary volume for the roots and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a suitable growing medium. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than crowding plants to immediately fill the pot. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the moisture, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than a plant in the ground. Therefore, plan for a wintering location from the outset that is compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate. Plant 'Alba' from September to November in humus-rich, fertile soil that is fresh during growth and well-drained. Place the bulbs with the tip facing upwards at a depth of 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) and space them 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) apart. Choose gentle sun, filtered light, or partial shade, especially under deciduous trees. Water after planting to settle the soil, then prevent prolonged drying out during rooting and spring growth. The soil can remain cool in summer, but it should not be waterlogged. For container planting, use a pot with holes and a rich growing medium that moderately retains moisture without becoming compact. In winter, protect the container according to the plant's needs: its roots are more exposed to cold than when planted in the ground.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)
Width / spread
About 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in.) per plant
Flower color
Ivory white finely veined with green
Foliage color
Medium green
Foliage type
Deciduous, lanceolate and thin
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom period
From April to May, each slender stem typically bears a single hanging bell, sometimes two, ivory-white with green veins. The recurved tepals gradually reveal their geometric pattern as the flower sways in the wind. The narrow, grayish-green foliage remains lower down and does not obscure the bloom. Cool spring temperatures extend the life of the bells in humus-rich meadows and borders.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair ‘Alba’ with white daffodils, purple tulips, blue muscari, scilla, silver brunnera, lungwort, and small euphorbias. Their low-growing blooms or foliage enhance the cluster of ivory white bells without obscuring the stem. Leave an airy space around the bulb and favor neighbors with moderate root systems. Avoid invasive ground covers that retain moisture or make division difficult. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. The foliage should yellow naturally before any cutting. A long-term planting reduces bulb handling. Spring growth benefits from consistently moist soil. Drainage remains a priority throughout
Plants to avoid
Avoid invasive groundcovers, soggy soil, and highly competitive roots.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When and how to plant Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’?
Plant *meleagris* in the fall, from September to November, before the ground freezes. Choose a permanent location immediately, in sun or light partial shade, as an established fritillary prefers to remain undisturbed. Dig 10 cm (4 in) deep in fertile, well-drained soil, then space bulbs 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) apart. Wear gloves and handle the bulbs carefully. Water only if the soil is dry at the time of planting. Then mark the position to avoid damaging it during dormancy. In cold Quebec regions, a light mulch applied after the soil cools limits variations without trapping too much water. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. Foliage should yellow naturally before
What soil is suitable for the white checkered lily?
The pendant habit is normal in Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’ and partially protects the fine green veins of each bell. To properly observe this contrast, place the bulbs in a raised rockery, an alpine pot, or near the edge of a path, where the flowers are slightly above eye level. Never straighten the bells with your fingers, as their delicate pedicels can break. A firm stem, green foliage, and blemish-free flowers indicate healthy growth. The slight movement caused by the wind naturally reveals the internal green veins. After flowering, allow the leaves to yellow completely so that the bulb can replenish its reserves before summer dormancy.
Can 'Alba' naturalize in the garden?
Prevention begins with site selection. Avoid hollows, compacted clay, and areas where snowmelt lingers for several days. Loosen the soil and incorporate mature compost and horticultural grit if the texture is heavy. Plant 10 cm (4 in) deep without creating a watering basin. Use a thin mulch that doesn't stay soggy directly over the bulb. During growth, water enough to keep the soil moist, but always allow excess water to drain away. Reduce watering after the foliage turns yellow. If in a pot, empty the saucer and regularly check that the drainage holes are not blocked. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. The foliage must yellow naturally before any cutting. A sustainable establishment
Can the five bulbs be grown in pots?
Yes, but choose a heavy container 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 in.) in diameter and depth to stabilize the 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.) stem. Large drainage holes are essential. Use a loam, compost, and gravel-based mixture, then plant the five bulbs 10 cm (4 in.) deep. Place the pot in sun or light partial shade and turn it occasionally for straight growth. Water when the surface begins to dry and always empty the saucer. After flowering, keep the leaves until they turn yellow. For winter, allow dormancy to occur in the cold while insulating the walls against extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. The foliage should turn yellow.
Is fritillary 'Alba' edible?
No. The RHS specifies that ornamental fritillary bulbs should not be eaten and recommends wearing gloves when handling them. Keep bulbs out of reach of children and animals before planting, then wash hands and tools after use. Do not use any part in a recipe, herbal tea, or medicinal preparation. Clearly label the planting if it is next to a vegetable garden. If a person or animal ingests any part, immediately contact the poison control center, a doctor, or a veterinarian and provide the exact name of the product. Normal garden observation does not require excessive precautions. Drainage remains a priority throughout dormancy. The foliage must yellow naturally before
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Van Noort describes *meleagris* as pollinator-friendly and deer-resistant. Its spring bells can host various insects when temperatures allow for their activity. However, supplement the planting with simple flowers that bloom before and after *meleagris* to ensure a continuous supply of pollen and nectar. Drainage remains a priority throughout
For planting your bulbs
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