Plum and yellow hues abound, with touches of creamy white and a coral red accent. Whereas F. meleagris grows to around 30cms (12") the Imperialis grows much taller, up to 1.5m (5') F. Imperialis will not tolerate damp conditions, it likes drier growing conditions with well-drained soil. Fritillaria imperialis – crown imperials are the biggest and boldest of the fritillaries, reaching up to 1.2m in height, with large orange flowers appearing under a spiky crown of leaves in April/May. Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra Maxima' makes quite a statement in the garden! Bulbs can take a season to establish. Start the bulbs on their sides to further reduce risk of rot. Fritillaria maintenance instructions Fritillarias don’t need too much attention once planted. Depth and Spacing: Plant crown imperial bulbs 6” deep. As with other fritillaria bulbs, crown imperial fritillaria should be planted in autumn for mid-spring blooms. It is grown for its large and spectacular clusters of bell-shaped flowers in late-spring. The bulbs will be flowering around April and May. To encourage flowering in the following years apply a dressing of sulphate or potash in the Spring and Autumn. Grainy sand or perlite are good materials to plant into. It produces whorls of large bell-shaped orange, red or yellow flowers, set beneath a crown of leafy bracts on stems up to 1.2m (4ft) tall. The Crown Jewels Fritillaria Bulb Collection makes a dramatic statement with some of the most unique spring-flowering bulbs available. Each bulb produces one stem, topped with a cluster of yellow, cream or red-orange bells and a spiky green topknot. For best success, plant Fritillaria bulbs at a 45-degree angle so they don't fill with water and rot. They look spectacular in any garden. Plant on arrival 15cm (6') deep and 25cm (10') apart in fairly good well drained soil in a sunny open position. You should remove the flower heads after the blooms have faded and before it goes to seed. The Fritillaria Imperialis, known as Crown Imperial is quite different again. Fritillaria imperialis: Common Names: Crown Imperial: Plant Type: Perennial bulb: Mature Size: One to three feet tall, eight to 12 inches wide: Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade: Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or perlite soil: Soil pH: Acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) Bloom Time: Mid-spring: Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow: Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9: Native Area Name – Fritillaria imperialis Family – Liliaceae (lily family) Type – spring bulb. Crown Imperial bulbs, Fritillary – Fritillaria bulbs for sale Fritillary bulbs or Crown Imperials are also known by the less appealing name Stink Lily. The best period for planting fritillaria bulbs is between August and September. Planting Tips: If you are growing fritillaria imperialis as an annual, there is no need to fertilize the bulbs at planting time.

But don’t let that put you off from buying them! The red Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra' Maxima, also known as the Imperial Fritillary, is queen of the genus, and demands to be noticed. Crown Imperials - 5-6" deep and 10-12" apart. Note - these bulbs typically have a hole in the top center where last year's stem grew. Not for her the need for a special little garden niche that allows her to be appreciated. These unusual-looking plants add color and excitement to spring flowerbeds. The crown imperial is a unique and very decorative flower bulb.. Its inflorescence is spectacular and it grows very well in our climates.
They can be planted in groups on their own, or in combination with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring-flowering bulbs. Crown imperials (Fritillaria imperalis) grow 24 to 36” tall. Raddeana is 3-4 feet tall - like an imperial fritillary - but with flowers in the most wonderful pale, lichen green. Height – 8 to 40 inches (20 to 100 cm) Exposure – full sun, part sun Soil – ordinary, well drained. Core Crown Imperial facts. Add the less well known, subtle and aristocratic Fritillaria raddeana and you have two winners. Not all Fritillaries are subtle garden belles. Fritillaria imperialis 'Garland Star' This striking bulbous herbaceous perennial features a beautiful display of caramelized orange-red pendant, bell-shaped flowers topped by a crown of small leaves and rising high at the end … It is not commonly found in cultivation in Australia as it is slow to grow from seed, taking 7 – 9 years to flower.
At four inches wide, crown imperial bulbs are unusually large. They are also prone to rot, so make sure to plant them in very well-drained soil. For best results grow in well-drained soil, ideally on a bed of gravel, in full sun Fritillaria Imperialis Elegant drooping bells crested with glossy green foliage can grow to over 1.25m (4ft). One of the most sought after of all of the Fritillaria species is Fritillaria Imperialis. Fritillaria blooms embody a range of unique forms, from vertical spikes to dangling bells. It is however available in flowering sized bulbs from selected specialist growers.