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Orange pendant bell-shaped flowers of crown imperial in springBulbs & tubers

Fritillaria imperialis

Crown Imperial

spring bulbmajesticvole-deterrentorange flowersgarden architecture

Crown Imperial is a majestic bulb with a whorl of large, pendant, bell-shaped flowers in orange, red, or yellow, crowned by a tuft of green leaves. Blooming in April and reaching up to a metre tall, its pungent musky bulb scent deters voles and moles.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
60–100 cm
Spread
20–30 cm
Hardiness zone
5–8
Family
Liliaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
orange, red, yellow
Wildlife value
bees

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant the large bulbs in September-October at 20 cm deep in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Plant at a slight angle so water does not collect in the hollow top. Avoid wet soil — this causes rot. After flowering, let foliage die back before removing.

Pruning tips

Remove spent flowers but leave foliage intact until fully yellowed — it feeds the bulb for next year. Mark the spot to avoid accidentally digging up the bulb. Do not move bulbs — they perform best when undisturbed.

Good companions

Colourful tulips in full bloom in a spring gardenBulbs & tubers

Tulipa gesneriana

Garden Tulip

The Garden Tulip is the icon of the Dutch spring, with chalice-shaped flowers in virtually every imaginable colour. It blooms in April and May, transforming borders and pots into a colourful spectacle. Tulip bulbs are planted in autumn and reward with a reliable spring display.

Full sunMedium30–60 cm
Yellow daffodils in bloom in an early spring landscapeBulbs & tubers

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Daffodil

The Daffodil is one of the earliest spring bloomers, with distinctive yellow or white flowers that release a fresh, sweet scent. Blooming in March and April, daffodils naturalise easily in lawns and under trees. The bulbs are toxic to rodents, so they remain untouched.

Full sunMedium30–50 cm
Large purple globe-shaped flowers of giant allium in a sunny borderBulbs & tubers

Allium giganteum

Giant Allium

Giant allium is a striking bulb plant with large, globe-shaped purple flower heads on sturdy stems. The blooms appear in May and June and attract plenty of bees and butterflies. The dried seed heads remain decorative in the border well into autumn.

Full sunLow80–150 cm