As soon as Christmas passes and we hurtle into spring, many look out for the first sign of life: the emerging albino head of the crocus, or an early flame bud of a daffodil. For many, these are the ...

I believe that names do affect how people perceive the world. Would you be inclined to pet a dog named Killer? Would you allow your daughter to date a guy named Destroyer? Checkered lily is a plant ...

Looking for something dramatic for your spring flower garden? Consider fritillaria! These spring-blooming bulbs are easy to grow and their unusual, bell-shaped flowers are quite an attraction in the ...

I am trying to establish Fritillaria meleagris in my borders, having eyed with envy the colony that grows in the local churchyard. I have had trouble with mice, and with a mystery enemy that nips off ...

Fritillaria meleagris' chequered colours stand out in the spring garden. Photo / Meg Liptrot I was like a kid in a candy store with all the bright, inviting colours of Easter bulbs at the garden ...

The bulbs of both Fritillaria imperialis and F. persica are likely to rot on wet soils, so plant them on their side or lay them on a layer of grit to help keep moisture out of the crown. Plant them ...

Q: My Fatsia looks dreadful. The leaves are yellow, covered with black mold, and riddled with holes. What can I do? A: Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica) is a great plant to provide a bold, tropical ...

There are daffodils and tulips. Then there are fritillarias. Even the fancy-sounding name (more on the etymology in a minute) tells you that something special is going on with these fall-planted, ...

I remember being in a garden centre with Roy Lancaster – one of the country’s leading plantsmen – when he was waxing lyrical about what to many folk is a modest flower, the snake’s head fritillary ...

BEWARE OF catching the collectors’ bug. It can infect a gardener at any time, with great risk to your time, energy and wallet. Fixations and cravings don’t come cheap. I know, because I’m a ...