
Fritillary meadow at Morton Hall Gardens: how to manage a meadow
Morton Hall Gardens in Worcestershire has a spectacular bulb meadow that is famed for its fritillaries. Here, we share some advice for managing a fritillary meadow from garden owner Anne Luetcke
On her very first visit to Morton Hall, it was love at first site for owner Anne Luetcke. As she drove up the driveway to the house, the spectacular bulb meadow, famed for its fritillaries, was in full flower. It has shaped Anne's redevelopment of the garden ever since and although the fritillary thrives in the garden's damp soil, which floods most winters, Anne has carefully managed and enhanced the area to preserve it beauty.
Here you'll find some useful tips from Anne on how to manage fritillary meadow.
Managing a fritillary meadow
- The fritillaries are allowed to go to seed in late spring, and the meadow is cut in June. The growth is left to lie, so that the seeds disperse, and is then removed as hay.
- A second cut is made at the end of September, and the growth again removed. This helps to keep soil fertility low, allows for easier autumn bulb planting, and also ensures that the grass is short come spring to show off the fritillaries when they are in flower.
- At Morton Hall approximately 20,000 bulbs are planted each year throughout the spring gardens, to improve the show and extend the season.
- Each type of bulb has its own planting method. The fritillaries are planted in clumps of 15 beneath a lifted flap of turf.
- Chilli powder is considered the best squirrel deterrent. Each bulb or clump of bulbs is dusted with the powder once it is in the ground.
Useful information
Morton Hall Gardens
Morton Hall Lane
Holberrow Green
Redditch
Worcestershire B96 6SJ
Morton Hall Gardens are open from the beginning of April to the end of September. All visits must be booked.
Words Lia Leendertz, garden writer, author and columnist
Photogrpahy Clive Nichols

13 issues for £30 when you subscribe
Subscribe to Gardens Illustrated magazine and receive your first 13 issues for £30!
*UK only

Transform your Garden- Special Edition
Transform Your Garden
This special edition features advice on designing your garden from the world’s top garden designers, including top tips for redesigning your plot or creating a new garden from scratch.
Discover eight inspirational gardens in town and country, and beautiful planting ideas for year-round colour. Learn how to make the most of a small space, how to cope with a slope, and the ten most common mistakes people make, according to professional garden designers, and how to avoid them.
Enjoy insights on everything from paths and parking spaces to wildflowers and water features, so that you can be confident in starting to create the garden of your dreams.
Just £9.99 inc UK p&p
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Gardens of the Globe
From botanical wonders in Australia to tranquil havens closer to home in Ireland, let this guide help you to discover some of the most glorious gardens around the world
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.