Fritillaria meleagris Family: Liliaceae Common Name(s): Grown by: , Fritillarias are often called checkered lilies and this European species is the most commonly seen in the trade. Many of the California species are difficult to grow and take many years to bloom from seed and so are rarely encounered in cultivation. The plant shown had several 2 inch bells on 10 inch stems. Most were a beautiful reddish brown with purple spots but one was white with purple spots. These plants are often sold at Trader Joe’s and other chain stores and are treated as annuals. They are bulbs, however, and can be grown for many years if given a dry summer rest and a relatively cold winter. They often skip a year after they bloom heavily. They prefer part shade or sun and regular water during the growing season. Photo by Picasa 2.6