Bulbs & tubersFritillaria imperialis
Crown Imperial
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.
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
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
Bulbs & tubersTulipa 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.
Bulbs & tubersNarcissus 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.
Bulbs & tubersAllium 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.