OXFORDSHIRE’S county flower – the fritillary – drew weekend visitors to Waterperry Gardens, near Wheatley.

Shop manager Sue Ware said the bell-shaped, purple flowers had looked stunning.

She said: “They look lovely in the meadow.

“It is a very popular flower and they have been very pretty this year.”

The centre, which has been growing fritillaries for about eight years, aims to plant 2,000 bulbs each year.

Nursery manager Lizzie Glasser said the fritillaries should be at their best for another week.

The plant, which originates from western Russia, has about 200 species and thrives in the Thames Valley.