The Chessboard Fritillary: Photogenic Bellflower from the Spring Garden

In the first half of May, amidst the flowerbeds of devoted gardeners, one can witness the presence of extraordinary bell-shaped flowers adorned with a dark, mesh-like pattern reminiscent of a chessboard. These are the blooms of the Chessboard Fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris), an herbaceous plant belonging to the Lily family. Occasionally, completely white varieties of the Chessboard Fritillary, known as “Alba,” can also be found.

However, one can also admire the beauty of the Chessboard Fritillary at the Moscow Aptekarsky Garden on Prospekt Mira, where we will venture today in search of captivating photos.

The flowering period of this plant coincides with the blooming of striking magnolias, stone fruits, and tulips, which often divert attention away from the Chessboard Fritillary. Nevertheless, these flowers are no less photogenic; the key is to spot them among the vibrant array of other spring blossoms.

Typically, the flowering of the Chessboard Fritillary lasts for two to three weeks, depending on the weather. This year, in the Aptekarsky Garden, they began to bloom in early May and their blossoms still grace the garden today. Whether planted in groups or as individual specimens, the Chessboard Fritillaries present an equally captivating sight.

These flowers are not demanding when it comes to soil fertility; they thrive in peaty and moisture-rich soils. The Chessboard Fritillaries do not need to be dug up annually for drying, and overall, they are extremely undemanding. Planting them in a sunny or lightly shaded area is preferred, although it should be noted that the grid-like pattern on the flowers appears paler when exposed to direct sunlight.