Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Crown imperial, Fritillaria imperialis, is a handsome giant. Everything about it is large – the bulbs are fist-size and the robust flower stems can reach 1.2m in good soil, with pendent bell-shaped flowers typically 5-8cm long and wide. A large clump of Fritillaria imperialis is an imposing sight, and it's quite undemanding once the bulbs are established (but they may take a season to flower after planting).
For best results grow Fritillaria imperialis in well-drained soil, ideally on a bed of gravel, in full sun. Divide established clumps in late-summer by splitting off and potting on the small bulbils around the edge of the bulb.
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Fritillaria and wildlife
Fritillaria is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.