Fritillaria imperialis Prolifera

Fritillaria imperialis 'Prolifera' is an elegant fritillary with overlapping orange-red bell-shaped flower crowns at a height of 70cm (28in).

Also known as the crown imperial, it is a bulbous perennial with shiny, linear, green leaves that bears two stems with up to 5 trailing bell-shaped flowers arranged in a crown. This stiff stem is topped with a tuft of dark green, glossy leaves, reminiscent of the foliage at the base.

This fritillary thrives in moist but well-drained soils, even poor ones. The pungent smell of the bulb deters moles but not mice. A gravel bed at planting will provide partial protection against rodents. Cultivating it in a deep, well-drained pot and keeping it in a cold greenhouse during winter is more suitable for rare species.

Fritillaria imperialis 'Prolifera' looks spectacular in a mass planting with tulips, such as our 'Carnival of Venice' tulip combination.