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.
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
Divide
yes
yes
Fritillaria and wildlife
Fritillaria is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
