Story photography by Britt Willoughby Dyer

Florists love fritillary. Not the little snake’s heads, long since fêted, but their taller, sturdier, more architectural relations, Fritillaria persica. With whorls of waxy blooms around a solid stalk, they add height and a degree of weirdness to a display. 

Fritillaria acmopetala is fully hardy and tough.

The dramatic Fritillaria persica 'Bicolor' is a favorite among florists.

Fritillaria persica 'Bicolor', grown in quantity in the flower field.

Fritillaria persica 'Alba' are less expensive than their bicolor counterparts.

Grow F. persica 'Ivory Bells' to be cut and brought indoors.

A deep burgundy Fritillaria persica.

Fritillaria meleagris growing in a damp meadow.