Fritillaria Orange ‘Crown Imperial’

The Crown Imperial is a true must-have for a stately spring garden, with its true impact being seen in April and May.
Also known as Fritillaria imperialis, this boasts bright orange and striking blooms, with an impressive whorl of leaves on top.
There is a unique fragrance, which repels moles, mice and other rodents. 
Fully deserving its coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit, you can be sure that this is a proven garden performer, guaranteed to be suitable for UK gardeners at every level of experience. You can therefore plant this in the garden with confidence, for stunning displays for many years to come.
Supplied as a pack on 2 bulbs, size 20/24 ready to plant out in autumn.

Top Tips

• Plant bulbs on their sides to help to avoid water collecting in their hollow crowns and prevent the bulbs from rotting.
• Fritillaria plants resent being dug up and moved so for best results plant where they will remain.

Care Guide

Planting Advice:

• Plant 30cm (12in) deep from September to November in fertile, well-drained soil, and keep an eye out for slug and snail damage when the new foliage is emerging in spring.
• Plants benefit from early morning sun then light shade in the afternoon.
• Avoid heavy clay or anywhere where water sits.
• Heavy soil can be improved with the addition of sharp sand or horticultural grit.
• Add 1cm (? in) of course sand to the planting hole before placing the bulbs pointed end up. 

Aftercare Advice:

• When growing fritillaries, it is essential to allow their foliage to die back naturally as this will feed the bulb for the following year.
• During their dormant period the soil should be kept almost dry to prevent the bulbs from rotting. Begin watering sparingly as the bulbs start back into active growth.
• After flowering has finished, trim off spent blossoms. The stalks will dry and then can be removed. 

Trimming Advice for Fritillaries:

• Leave stems to turn brown before trimming back to the base. This will ensure that nutrients have been returned to the bulb for next season.