What's eating my fritillaria meleagris?

Snake's head fritillary is generally trouble-free. Lily beetle is the main insect pest, though it is less frequently attacked than crown imperials. Slugs can damage the delicate spring foliage. Rodents may eat bulbs, but like other fritillaries the smell tends to deter them. It naturalises well in damp grass with minimal care.

Red adults and larvae chew through leaves and stems, though damage is typically lighter than on crown imperials or true lilies. Inspect plants regularly in spring; remove adults and larvae by hand; apply pyrethrin spray in cases of heavy infestation.

The fine, grass-like foliage can be nibbled at the tips in early spring, reducing the plant's photosynthetic ability. Iron phosphate pellets around established clumps; good drainage when naturalising in grass; hand-pick in mild, damp evenings.

Bulbs are occasionally excavated and eaten, especially in light sandy soils where digging is easy. Plant bulbs at 8–10 cm depth; use wire mesh covers over newly planted areas; the mild fritillaria odour often deters repeated digging.